Chinstrap Penguin

Overview

The chinstrap penguin is named for the narrow black band running under its chin, giving it the appearance of wearing a tiny helmet strap. Among the most numerous penguin species in the world, it breeds in enormous colonies across the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding sub-Antarctic islands.

Appearance

It has a mostly white face and underside, a black back and head, and the distinctive thin black line running from ear to ear beneath its chin that gives the species its name. Like other penguins, its wings have evolved into stiff, flipper-like paddles suited for swimming rather than flight.

Habitat & Distribution

The chinstrap penguin is found in arctic, ocean habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Carnivore — Meat-eating animals that hunt, scavenge, or fish for prey, ranging from big cats to snakes and birds of prey.

Chinstrap penguins breed in massive, densely packed colonies, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands, built on rocky, ice-free slopes near the coast. They are strong swimmers and divers, foraging primarily on krill by porpoising through the water in quick leaps to breathe while maintaining speed, and can dive to depths of around 70 meters in search of food.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  Chinstrap penguins get their name from the thin black band running beneath their chin, resembling a helmet strap.

• 2

  They breed in enormous colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands of individuals.

• 3

  They can dive to depths of around 70 meters while hunting for krill and small fish.

• 4

  Chinstrap penguins 'porpoise' through the water in quick leaps, letting them breathe without slowing down while swimming at speed.

• 5

  It's one of the most numerous penguin species in the world, with a global population estimated in the millions.

Gallery

Chinstrap Penguin FAQs