Pygoscelis antarctica
The Chinstrap Penguins are the most numerous penguins in the world. It is estimated there are 12 to 13 million located on the barren islands of the sub-Antarctic Region and the Antarctic Peninsula. The Chinstrap are some of the boldest and most aggressive penguins. They make a round nest out of stones and pebbles, laying their eggs in late November. They generally have two chicks each summer, both of whom are treated equally by the parents. This is unlike other penguins species where the stronger chick is fed preferentially.
Chinstrap penguins on land often toboggan — laying on their stomachs, propelling themselves by their feet, and using their flippers. They climb using all four limbs and are able to jump large distances to reach footholds.
The above picture was taken at the San Diego Seaworld, in March, 2004.
Genus Pygoscelis
Family Spheniscidae
Order Sphenisciformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
Index