Chinstrap Penguin Chinstrap Penguin
Chinstrap Penguin

Scientific Classification

Common Name
chinstrap penguin
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Sphenisciformes
Family
Spheniscidae
Genus Species
Pygoscelis antarcticus

Fast Facts

Description
Medium-sized penguin with black head and white face. A black stripe under the chin distinguishes the species. Chinstraps are one of three species of "brush-tail" penguins along with the Adélie and gentoo penguins.
Size
46–61 cm (18–24 in)
Weight
4 kg (9 lbs.)
Diet
Primarily large krill; will also supplement diet with squid and fishes
Incubation
33-35 days; after hatching, parents brood chicks for an additional 20–30 days
Sexual Maturity
No data
Life Span
15-20 years
Range
Circumpolar in subantarctic and Antarctic waters
Habitat
Avoids pack ice and continental coasts, except near the Antarctic peninsula; usually remains near breeding islands throughout the year
Population
Global: 6.5 million breeding pairs
Status 
IUCN: Not listed
CITES: Not listed
USFWS:  Not listed

Fun Facts

  1. Chinstrap penguins may be the most abundant penguin, with a population estimated at 7.5 million breeding pairs.
  2. Chinstraps can reach depths of 70 m (230 ft), but most dives are less than 45 m (148 ft).
  3. Most dives last between 20–30 seconds.
  4. For more information about penguins, explore the Penguin InfoBook.

Ecology and Conservation

All 18 species of penguin are legally protected from hunting and egg collecting. The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 makes it illegal to harm, or in any way interfered with, a penguin or its eggs. Every penguin specimen collected with a permit must by approved by and reported to the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR).


Bibliography

Penguins - Third Edition. SeaWorld Education Department, 1996.

Coats, Judith. Penguins: Flightless Birds of the Southern Hemisphere. SeaWorld Education Department, 2001.