The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a penguin species (or possibly a species complex) in the genus Pygoscelis, most closely related to the Adélie penguin (P. adeliae) and the chinstrap penguin (P. antarcticus). The species calls in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud trumpeting, which the bird emits with its head thrown back.

Habitat

These charismatic waddlers, who populate the Antarctic Peninsula and numerous islands around the frozen continent, are the penguin world’s third largest members, reaching a height of 30 inches and a weight of 12 pounds.

Gentoos are partial to ice-free areas, including coastal plains, sheltered valleys, and cliffs. They gather in colonies of breeding pairs that can number from a few dozen to many thousands.

Behaviour

Gentoo parents, which often form long-lasting bonds, are highly nurturing. At breeding time, both parents will work to build a circular nest of stones, grass, moss, and feathers. The mother then deposits two spherical, white eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for more than a month. Hatchlings remain in the nest for up to a month, and the parents alternate foraging and brooding duties.

Like all penguins, gentoos are awkward on land. But they’re pure grace underwater. They have streamlined bodies and strong, paddle-shaped flippers that propel them up to 22 miles an hour, faster than any other diving bird.

Diet

Gentoos mainly live on crustaceans, such as krill, with fish making up only about 15% of the diet. They are, however, opportunistic feeders and around the Falklands are known to take roughly equal proportions of fish, squat lobsters and squid.

---

Facts:

• Name: Gentoo
• Scientific Name: Pygoscelis papua
• Class: Aves
• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
• Diet: Carnivore
• Habitat: Antarctic Peninsula & Sub-Antarctic Islands

---

Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentoo_penguin
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/gentoo-penguin
https://animalia.bio/gentoo-penguin
https://www.robertharding.com