Why do adelie penguins live in antarctica

Are penguins birds? Yes, they are! The answer is yes, penguins are birds - although they swim and cannot fly. One can say that the penguins belong to a zoological term called flightless seabirds. In common with other birds they have feathers and lay eggs. The penguins feathers are stiff and closely overlay each other to get a isolating layer, which traps air beneath it and provide insulation against cold weather and water. Types of penguins - how many are there?

By far the most common is the chinstrap penguin Pygoscelis antarctica , which owes its name to the narrow black band under its head. Other penguin species on the continent include the emperor penguin Aptenodytes forsteri and the Gentoo penguin pygoscelis papua. Where do penguins live? Since there are over 17 different species of penguins, they live scattered from each other. Penguins make their homes in different climates, depending on the type of penguin.

All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere — there are no penguins in the Arctic. Do polar bears eat penguins? They are closely related to the gentoo Pygoscelis papua and the chinstrap Pygoscelis antarctica penguins. Less is known about their behaviour in the winter where they spend time at sea in the pack ice. So far, scientists know that these penguins can swim more than km away from their breeding site.

Their main predators are leopard seals , and also skuas who take eggs and chicks from breeding colonies. Conservation status: least concern.

They choose a sloping site so that, when the snow melts, water runs away from the nest. When the pack ice has not yet broken up, finding food nearby can be a problem. Individuals always return to the same nest and the same mate, if they can. By mid-November there are two eggs in the nest. Parents take turns to incubate the eggs and find food. The first two incubation shifts tend to last 11 to 14 days and are followed by shorter shifts. The chicks hatch in December and the parents alternate guard and feeding duties swapping every few days.

The adults catch fish, krill and other small crustaceans, which they regurgitate for their chicks. In January, when chicks are three weeks old, they are big enough to be left alone. This allows both parents to simultaneously collect food for them. When the parents are away the chicks group together for protection and warmth.

In February, the chicks replace their down with adult feathers. At the age of 7 to 9 weeks they are ready to go to sea. Most chicks will not return to the breeding colony until they are 3 to 5 years of age and capable of breeding. Size: Weight: 8. Size relative to a 6-ft man:. Near threatened. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Increasing. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.

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