Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

Overview

Size: 75 cm
Weight: 3 to 6.5 kg
Distribution: continent and Antarctic islands
Reproduction areas on the archipelago: all the main islands

The Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is the most common of all penguins in Antarctica. They nest near the shore.

Biology

Arrival: October
Egg laying: November
Hatching: December
Departure of chicks: February
Food: almost only krill
Distribution at sea: stays near the ice
Particularity: very territorial, although living in extended colonies of up to tens of thousands of couples. Complex behavior.

Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)

Overview

Size: 120 cm.
Weight: 20 to 45 kg.
Distribution: Antarctic coasts.
Reproduction areas on the archipelago: one single colony on the ice-shelf between Carrel Island and the nunatak.

Biology

Arrival: April
Egg laying: May
Hatching: July, 62~66 days of incubation at 31°C in an environment that can go down to -60°C.
Departure of chicks: December-January
Food: squid and fish
Distribution at sea: stays near the ice
Particularity: after the laying, males take care of the sitting. During their 4 months fasting they loose half their weight (20kg). In order to minimize heat loss, the males gather together in groups that can be as dense. After August, both partners take care of the chick