Taxonomy |
Most closely related to the Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins which comprise the genus Pygoscelis.
Two subspecies are recognized:
P. p. papua
P. p. ellsworthi
Identification |
One of the more colorful medium-sized penguins. Adults easily recognized by the bright orange bill and white interorbit band running over the crown.
Males and females essentially
identical in appearance. The more northerly subspecies (ellsworthi) is generally
heavier than the southerly counterpart (papua). The latter also has a shorter
bill and longer feathering.
Where and When |
Antarctic and Subantarctic
waters. The main breeding colonies are on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia
and Lles Kerguelen, with smaller populations on Macquarie, Heard, Prince Edward,
South Orkney and South Shetland Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula.
The total breeding population is estimated to be over 320,000 pairs. The species
is rated as 'Lower Risk' by the 2000 IUCN Red List.
Literature |