What are the three most common penguin species on Antarctic single island trips?
When it comes to the representative animals of Antarctica, penguins are the most representative.
King penguins on South Georgia Island during breeding season.
There are 18 species of penguins on Earth, ranging from the equator to the Antarctic. Even in the Arctic, dominated by polar bears, the penguin-like Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) appeared in the 18th century. During Antarctic excursions, polar guides frequently mention various animals, with the most popular penguins being mentioned the most frequently. Therefore, before setting foot on the Antarctic continent, learning a little about penguins will help you navigate the land and cruise more effectively.
Taking a 10-day classic Antarctic itinerary (single island itinerary) as an example, the three most common penguin species are Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo. Below, we will share the characteristics and habits of these three penguins to help you better understand them.
1. Adelie Penguin
Remember the penguins with Cuban accents in the movie "Happy Feet"? They were inspired by the Adelie penguin.
cited: happyfeet.fandom.com/wiki/Amigos_(group)
Adelie, whose Chinese name is Adelie penguin, is one of the only two penguins on Earth that live on the Antarctic continent for a long time. It is one of the few species with prominent tail feathers, and its most distinctive feature is the white circles around its eyes.
They are the most common penguin species in Antarctica, due to their widest distribution. However, these adorable little penguins have habits that belie their cute appearance. During the annual breeding season, male Adelie penguins constantly search for sufficient rocks to build a nesting base for their unhatched eggs. However, in Antarctica, where there are more penguins than rocks, males can only steal rocks from other penguins. Female penguins, willing to help, will even resort to sexual intercourse to obtain rocks.
Failed mating 🤣
Another baffling habit of Adélie penguins is that during mating season, males will engage in sexual activity with males, chicks, snow, and even corpses. However, some scientists speculate that because the average lifespan of Adélie penguins is only 20 years, they don't have enough time to learn about sex, leading to these incomprehensible behaviors.
In November 2021, a lost Adélie penguin swam 3,000 kilometers from Antarctica to New Zealand.
cited: theguardian.com
2. Antarctic Penguin/Chinstrap Penguin
Two loving chinstrap penguins
The second type of penguin is called Chinstrap in English. They can be called "Antarctic penguins" or "Chinstrap penguins".
The chinstrap penguin looks very similar to the Adelie penguin: it also has tail feathers and its body is only black and white. The biggest difference is that the chinstrap penguin has a pure black beak and a black stripe down its neck, resembling a helmet - hence the name "chinstrap penguin."
Chinstrap penguins are even more daring than Adélie penguins. If you see a chinstrap penguin lunging toward you during a landing in Antarctica, don't just stand there, overjoyed and assuming this is a chance to hug it. Instead, back away, or the chinstrap penguin will scream and attack without hesitation. However, despite its powerful fighting spirit, the chinstrap penguin has a gentler side. To successfully reproduce in the polar environment, other penguin species often prioritize the stronger chicks, but chinstrap penguins don't. They raise all their chicks equally. This kind of tenderness is truly rare in the penguin world.
3. Gentoo Penguin
Summer research station in Cierva Cove. Credit: Silversea
The last penguin to appear, like the Adélie and Chinstrap, is a Gentoo penguin from the genus Adélie.
Since they share the same family, they share similarities in appearance, such as their playful tail feathers. How can you distinguish them from the Adélie and Chinstrap penguins? Note the bright red beak and the white area above the eyes that resembles a white eyebrow. Unlike the other two, the Gentoo penguin is more reserved, refraining from approaching humans, earning it the nickname "Gentleman Penguin." While elegant, when it comes to swimming prowess among penguins, the Gentoo penguin, with speeds of up to 36 kilometers per hour, is the undisputed Olympic gold medal winner.
Penguin survival is a battle against nature. Female Gentoo penguins typically lay two eggs at a time, but unfortunately, only one survives. Unless the eggs are laid on the Antarctic Peninsula, twins have a higher chance of survival. However, even if both penguins survive, they still have to compete for food from their parents. To ensure fairness, parents often let their chicks run after them, especially when food is scarce. The victorious penguin then enjoys the reward of an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
[From left to right] Adelie penguin / Gentoo penguin / Chinstrap penguin
cited: deviantart.com/bluegio/art
In summary, during a classic 10-day Antarctic itinerary, the quickest way to identify a penguin is by looking for white circles around its eyes, a black stripe below its neck, or white eyebrows. Want to get closer? If you want to be pounced on by a penguin, remember to choose an Adélie or Chinstrap penguin. Otherwise, you might end up maintaining perfect social distance until the final landing time, leaving you with a regretful experience.
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