Birds · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae

Gentoo Penguin

Pygoscelis papua

Least Concern

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

The gentoo penguin, also known as the Johnny penguin, is a sphenisciform bird of the family Spheniscidae. It is easily identified by the white patch on the top of its head behind the eyes. The chicks have a grey back and a white front. Adults reach a height of 75 to 90 cm. Gentoo penguins are the fastest penguins underwater, reaching 36 km/h.

Weight

6 kg on average

Size

70 cm – 90 cm

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

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Fun facts

It is the fastest penguin underwater: it reaches about 36 km/h in short bursts.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Subantarctic coasts and islands; it breeds on flat, ice-free ground, stony or grassy, close to the sea
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 34-37 days of incubation, shared by both parents
Litter / clutch size: 2
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of 41 years ('Olde', Odense Zoo)

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygoscelis_papua