Gentoo Penguin

Identification

The gentoo penguin is easily recognised by the broad, white stripe extending like a bonnet across the top of its head and its bright orange-red bill. It has pale whitish-pink, webbed feet and a relatively long tail – the most prominent tail of all penguin species. As the gentoo penguin waddles along on land, its tail sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side, which is reflected in the scientific name Pygoscelis, meaning "rump-tailed". Chicks have grey backs with white fronts.

Gentoo penguins can reach a length of 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in), making them the third-largest penguin species after the emperor and king penguins. Males have a maximum weight around 8.5 kg (19 lb) just before moulting, while females reach up to 8.2 kg (18 lb). Northern birds are on average 700 g (1.5 lb) heavier and 10 cm (3.9 in) longer than their southern counterparts. They are the fastest underwater swimmers of all penguins, reaching speeds up to 36 km/h (22 mph).

Range & Habitat

Gentoo penguins breed on many subantarctic islands, with the main colonies located on the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands. Smaller colonies are found on Macquarie Island, the Heard Islands, the Crozet Islands, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The total breeding population is estimated to be over 600,000 birds.

Breeding colonies are located on ice-free surfaces, often directly on the shoreline or considerably inland. These penguins prefer shallow coastal areas and frequently nest between tufts of grass. In South Georgia, for example, breeding colonies are located 2 km (1.2 mi) inland. In colonies farther inland where penguins nest in grassy areas, they shift their location slightly each year as the grass becomes trampled over time.

Behaviour & Diet

The gentoo penguin calls in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud, trumpeting call, emitted with the head thrown back. These birds are well adapted to frigid and harsh climates and are remarkably social at their breeding colonies. Nests are usually made from a roughly circular pile of stones, which can be quite large—20 cm (7.9 in) high and 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. The stones are jealously guarded, and their ownership can spark noisy disputes and physical attacks among individuals. Stones are also prized by females, sometimes even leading to significant conflict within colonies.

Best Time & Places to See It

The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Kerguelen Islands offer the best opportunities to observe gentoo penguins at their major breeding colonies. The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula are also accessible to visitors seeking to view these birds. Smaller populations can be found on Macquarie Island, the Heard Islands, and the Crozet Islands for the more adventurous traveller.

Photography Tips

The gentoo penguin's distinctive white bonnet stripe and bright orange-red bill are striking features that photograph well. Their relatively long tail is the most prominent of any penguin species and creates an interesting compositional element, especially when the birds are waddling on land with their tails sweeping side to side. The social colonies offer excellent opportunities for capturing behavioural shots, particularly the noisy interactions and disputes over nesting stones. Their speed in the water—up to 36 km/h (22 mph)—makes them challenging but rewarding subjects for underwater or action photography.