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Adelie Penguin
Distribution:
- Global population is approximately 2.5 million breeding pairs,
restricted to the Antarctic continent and adjacent Antarctic
islands. In winter they are more widely distributed, but tend
to be closely associated with ice, rarely venturing beyond the Antarctic
convergence.
Adelie Penguin Identification:
- The classic tuxedo wearing penguin - stout, black-and-white.
- Adults are black-headed with a conspicuous white eye ring.
- Bill is shorter and stouter than other penguin species, and is
partially feathered.
- Feet relatively short and broad, rosy gray, with contrasting
large black nails.
- Length: to 70 cm.
- Weight: variable, but many adults weigh between 3.5 and 4
kilograms.
Adelie Penguin
Life History:
- Adelie Penguins typically return to breeding colonies in September and
October. At this time they may waddle several kilometers over the ice
to traditional nesting sites. Colonies are usually close to the
water's edge by the time the young hatch.
- Nests are circular mounds built of pebbles. These stones are a
valuable commodity, often stolen by neighboring Adelies or other penguin
species. Most egg laying takes place in November, with two eggs being
the norm. Most
eggs hatch in December, after an incubation period of about 35 days.
The chicks soon develop a thick coat of sooty gray down that helps keep them
warm.
- The guard stage lasts three to four weeks, with the parents taking
turns brooding chicks and defending them from predators. Once at adult
size, the chicks begin to form groups (crèches)
that serve as huddles for warmth and some protection from predators.
From this time until mid to late February, the adults spend their time
foraging at sea, bringing back krill and other prey to feed the ravenous
young.
- By early February, most chicks are beginning to moult into a sleek
water resistant plumage. Towards the end of the season, the adults
abandon their young, who soon thereafter make the plunge, leaving the
colonies as well. In contrast to Gentoo Penguins, Adelies don't linger
near the colonies, but head out to the pack ice and beyond they spend the rest of
the year.
- Predators: The Brown
Skua is an efficient predator, consuming moderate quantities of penguin
eggs and small chicks. Other avian predators that have some, but
lesser impact include
Southern (Antarctic) Giant Petrel,
Snowy Sheathbill,
Kelp Gull and
South Polar Skua.
At sea, particularly near large rookeries, Adelies fall prey to leopard
seals. These giant creatures wait close to shore, grabbing arriving
and departing birds. Juvenile penguins are at highest risk, not having
fully developed their sense of predator awareness.
The following is a useful source for
additional life history
information:
Adelie Penguin
Images:
Click HERE to view
our Adelie Penguin image gallery. Adelie Penguin
Additional References:
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