Chinstrap Penguin

Pygoscelis antarcticus

Least Concern · IUCN Red List

LCLeast ConcernInvertebratesMarineScrapeHuge · 4.1 kg

What the Chinstrap Penguin sounds like

Sonogram of the Chinstrap Penguin: time runs left to right, pitch bottom to top, and the brighter the mark the louder the sound.
Recorded by steve · Call · Cámara Base, Antarctica · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

ID tip

The chinstrap penguin grows to a length of 68–76 cm (27–30 in) and a weight of 3.2–5.3 kg (7.1–11.7 lb), varying with the time of year. Males are greater in weight and height than females. The adult chinstrap's flippers are black with a white edge; the inner sides are white. The face is white, extending behind the eyes, which are reddish brown; the chin and throat are white, as well, while the short bill is black. The strong legs and the webbed feet are pink. Its short, stumpy legs give it a distinct waddle when it walks.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Chinstrap Penguin

One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 5 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Chinstrap Penguin

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 1 country with regular records, and 5 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, Norway, Chile.

About the Chinstrap Penguin

The chinstrap penguin is a penguin species that inhabits various islands and shores in the Southern Pacific and the Antarctic Oceans. Its name stems from the narrow black band under its head, which makes it appear to wear a black helmet. Other common names include ringed penguin, bearded penguin, and stonecracker penguin. It is known for its loud, harsh call.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

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