Macaroni+Penguin

MACARONI PENGUIN (//Eudyptes chrysolophus//) Contributed by Kelly11 Despite its large population, the Macaroni Penguin has been classified as Vulnerable by [|BirdLife International], as its population has been reduced by at least 30% over three generations. The main threats to its breeding grounds are those common to all [|Southern Ocean] species, such as the existing and potential impact of commercial [|fishing], [|ocean warming] and oil [|pollution]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaroni_Penguin=

Size:
There are an estimated total population of 12 million breeding pairs of Macaroni penguins. They stand about 28 inches (71 cm) tall and weigh 11 to 13 lbs. (5 to 6 kg).[|http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/proj/penguins/mac.html]

Macaronis eat crustaceans (mostly krill), fish and squid. Prey is caught by pursuit-diving normally at depths of 50 to 200 feet, although they have been recorded diving down to 300 feet on occasions. http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/macaroni.shtml

Population:
http://www.penguins.cl/macaroni-penguins.htm
 * The Macaroni penguin is the most numerous of all the world's penguins, with an estimated world population of over 9 million breeding pairs. The main breeding sites are found on the islands of South Georgia, Crozet, Kerguelen, Heard, McDonald, Prince Edward and Bouvetoya, with other notable colonies in the South Shetlands, South Orkneys and islands off the coast of Southern Chile. The Falkland Islands has a population of only 50 breeding pairs.

Lifespan:** For most species, the average lifespan is 15-20 years although some individuals live much longer. http://www.swbg-adventurecamps.com/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/aves/sphenisciformes/penguins.htm#ff1

Habitat:
Breeding colonies are situated on rocky slopes or level ground, usually in areas lacking vegetation, although some nests are located amongst tussock grass [|(4)]. Little is known of this species outside of the breeding season, but it is believed that it is [|pelagic], spending all of its time at sea [|(4)]. http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/birds/Eudyptes_chrysolophus/more_info.html#Habit

Range:
The macaroni penguin has a circumpolar range [|(4)]. It breeds at 50 known sites on sub-Antarctic islands in the South Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans, with one breeding site on the Antarctic Peninsula [|(2)] [|(4)]. Main breeding populations are located on the islands of Crozet, Heard, McDonald, Keruguelen and South Georgia [|(2)]. http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/birds/Eudyptes_chrysolophus/more_info.html#Habit

Offspring:
The great loss of A-eggs by Macaroni Penguins during the laying phase may also be due to the eggs being dislodged from the nest during nest scraping, which precedes the laying of the B-egg and which is more pronounced in this species than in the Rock- hopper Penguin (Williams 1977). http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v097n04/p0754-p0759.html

Intresting Facts:
the macaroni penguins (like most penguins) are endangered because of man made pollution, destroying food sources, oil spills, boats, and deforestation. [|http://www.redeemer.ab.ca/hsa/project1/Endangered Animals/Suzanne/fact_cards_on_the_macaroni_pengu.htm]