Monsoon Season

Macaroni  Penguin

Introduction:

        Macaroni penguins are the most populated penguin species reaching over twelve million!  Like all penguins, instead of flying, it swims.  It’s scientific name is Eudyptes Chrysolophus.

Appearance:

        The Macaroni penguin is black with either a bluish or a brownish sheen.  They are about 7lbs and 28 inches long.  Their bellies, underarms and lower necks are covered with white feathers.  On their head is a striking orange-yellow crest; their feet and legs are pink.  Over all, the male is larger than the female.

Where:

        You can usually find Macaroni penguins near the tip of South America or the Antarctic Peninsula.  They live in rocky cliffs above the ocean.  They prefer rocky areas of water.

Food:

        Macaroni penguins love to eat krill, fish, crustaceans and sometimes squid.  They take turns hunting for 23-25 days at a time.  They must be careful though, because there are many leopard seals and killer whales that would like a tasty morsel.   

Babies:

        The female Macaroni penguin lays two eggs.  The first is small and less likely to develop; the second egg is normally the one the parents tend to care for.  While the mother is out hunting, the father takes care of the egg; then they switch.  The babies leave 60-70 days after hatching.

No Way!

        Sometimes, after eating crustaceans, the Macaroni penguin will swallow pebbles to help grind up the hard exoskeleton.  The Macaroni penguin was named after a phrase from “Yankee Doodle;” “Stuck a feather in his cap, and called it Macaroni.”  As you know, the Macaroni penguin does in fact have feathers in its “cap.”

        Macaroni penguins are wonderful animals and should be shown compassion. Even though they aren’t anywhere close to extinction, it is good to make sure their environment is clean and safe.

By: Abby Dortch