Chinstrap Penguin
Scientific Name: Pygoscelis antarcticus
Category: bird
Brief Description
A medium-sized penguin easily identified by the narrow black band of feathers extending from one side of the head to the other under the chin.
Characteristics
Distinctive thin black line under the chin, white face and throat, black back and flippers, and a short black bill. They have reddish-brown eyes and pinkish feet.
Habitat
Found on rocky islands and icebergs in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic Peninsula. They breed on ice-free land.
When to Find It
Breeding occurs from November to March during the Antarctic summer; they spend the rest of the year at sea.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Ecological Role
They are major predators of Antarctic krill and serve as a vital food source for leopard seals and orcas.
Easily Confused With
Adélie Penguin and Gentoo Penguin. Chinstraps are distinguished by the 'strap' under the chin; Adélies have all-black faces with white eye rings, and Gentoos have orange beaks and white head patches.
Observation Tips
Best observed from a distance in the Antarctic Peninsula. Use binoculars to see the chin strap clearly without disturbing the nesting colony.
Interesting Facts
They are considered the most aggressive of the penguin species and are nicknamed 'Stonebreaker' because of their shrill, screeching call.