Birds · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae

Adelie Penguin

Pygoscelis adeliae

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is one of only two penguins found exclusively in Antarctica, and is famous for stealing stones while building its nest.

Weight

3.6 kg – 6 kg

Size

46 cm – 71 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

PolarCarnivore Diurnal Colonial Bird Polar

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Fun facts

It actively steals pebbles from neighbouring nests to build its own, which causes frequent squabbles between pairs.
It feeds mainly on Antarctic krill, supplemented with fish and squid.
It lives on ice-free rocky coasts of the Antarctic continent and surrounding islands.
comportamientoIt builds its nest by piling up pebbles, and males often steal them from neighbouring nests to shore up their own, which causes frequent disputes.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - pneumatised bony skeleton, flightless bird adapted for diving
Habitat & environment: Ice-free rocky coasts of the Antarctic continent and surrounding islands, especially the Ross Sea
Birth weight: Weight at hatching not found as a precise figure
Size at birth: Covered in grey down at hatching
Sexual maturity: 3-6 years (4-6 years most often given)
Gestation / incubation: 32-37 days
Litter / clutch size: 2 eggs per clutch

Sources consulted: SeaWorld/Busch Gardens; Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition; A-Z Animals; BioExpedition; National Geographic Kids; Animal Diversity Web; Earth Life; PMC (chick growth rates study, thermogenesis study)