Gentoo+Penguin

[[image:Gentoo_Penguin.jpg width="228" height="289" align="left"]]
=GENTOO PENGUIN=

Pygoscelis papua
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Contributed by Haley11
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(22.3 mph).

 * http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/161.shtml

SIZE:** Males have a maximum weight of about 8 kg just before moulting, and a minimum weight of about 5.5 kg just before mating. For females the maximum weight is 7.5 kg just before moulting, but their weight drops to below 5 kg when guarding the chicks in the nest. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentoo_Penguin

DIET: http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/wildlife/penguins/gentoo.shtml
 * Gentoo Penguins eat crustaceans, fish and squid**.

POPULATION: There are about 300,000 breeding pairs on the islands. They live in large and noisy breeding colonies. [|http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/proj/penguins/gentoo.html]

LIFESPAN: Gentoo penguins live up to 17-22 years, usually longer in captivity http://www.kellytarltons.co.nz/aquarium-attraction-sharks-penguins/96/Gentoo+Penguins.aspx

HABITAT:

and on cliff tops.
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/aves/sphenisciformes/gentoo-penguin.htm

RANGE: Gentoo penguins live on many of the islands of the Antarctic region but the main colony is on the Falklands. http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/facts16.htm

OFFSPRING: The gentoo penguin does not migrate long distances and instead stays near its breeding colony throughout the year, feeding in inshore waters. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761576981_2/Penguin.html

INTERESTING FACTS:

Unlike other penguin species, gentoo penguins may breed as early as two years of age. The gentoo penguin is a medium sized penguin, standing 75-90cm tall and the females are smaller than the male birds. A bright red-orange bill and conspicuous white eye patches make both adult and juveniles easily distinguishable from any other species of penguin. The male and female of a pair are both at the nest well before the breeding season begins, and both incubate the egg and brood the chick in shifts. Gentoo penguins forage at sea close to the colony, and thus their chicks are fed frequently. This may explain why gentoo penguins rear two chicks each year more often than other penguin species. Breeding success is affected by food availability. http://www.aad.gov.au/default.asp?casid=1933

MORE LINKS: http://www.martingrund.de/pinguine/