About the Gentoo Penguin
The gentoo penguin is a penguin species in the genus Pygoscelis, most closely related to the Adélie penguin and the Chinstrap penguin. The earliest scientific description was made in 1781 by Johann Reinhold Forster with a type locality in the Falkland Islands. The species calls in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud, trumpeting call, emitted with the head thrown back.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The gentoo penguin is easily recognised by the broad, white stripe extending like a bonnet across the top of its head and its bright orange-red bill. It has pale whitish-pink, webbed feet and a relatively long tail – the most prominent tail of all penguin species. Chicks have grey backs with white fronts. As the gentoo penguin waddles along on land, its tail sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side, hence the scientific name Pygoscelis, which means "rump-tailed".
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Gentoo Penguin sounds like
Where the Gentoo Penguin lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa, United Kingdom, New Zealand.
When to see the Gentoo Penguin
Peak activity in January · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Chinstrap PenguinPygoscelis antarcticusThe 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.
Adelie PenguinPygoscelis adeliaeThe Adélie penguin is a mid-sized bird, measuring 70–73 cm (28–29 in) in length and weighing 3.8 to 8.2 kg (8.4 to 18.1 lb).
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