Chinstrap penguin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinstrap penguin |
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| A chinstrap penguin | |
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Pygoscelis
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| Pygoscelis antarcticus |
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The chinstrap penguin is a type of penguin. It lives on islands and shores in the Southern Pacific and Antarctic Ocean. You can easily spot it by the thin black line under its head. It looks like a black helmet strap, which is how it got its name!
People also call them "ringed penguins" or "bearded penguins." Sometimes, they are called "stonecracker penguins" because of their loud calls. Chinstrap penguins live in cold, shallow seas and along the coast. Some rare penguins are born very pale and are known as 'Blonde' penguins.
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Where Chinstrap Penguins Live
Chinstrap penguins are found all around the southern part of the world. They build their nests and raise their young in places like Antarctica, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands. You can also find them in Chile and some French territories.
Sometimes, a few chinstrap penguins might wander off. They have been seen in New Zealand and South Africa. Scientists believe there are at least 8 million chinstrap penguins in the world. This makes them one of the most common types of penguins!
How Chinstrap Penguins Live
Chinstrap penguins mostly eat tiny sea creatures called krill. They also enjoy shrimp, small fish, and squid. To find food, they can swim up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) offshore every day.
These penguins are amazing swimmers in freezing water. Their feathers are packed together very tightly. This creates a waterproof coat that keeps them warm and dry. They also have thick layers of blubber, which is like natural insulation. Special blood vessels in their flippers and legs help them keep warm too.
On land, chinstrap penguins build their nests using small stones. Their nests are usually round. The female penguin lays two eggs. Both the male and female take turns sitting on the eggs for about 6 days at a time. The baby penguins hatch after about 37 days. They have soft, fluffy gray backs and white fronts.
Size of Chinstrap Penguins
Chinstrap penguins are not very big. They are usually about 71 centimeters (28 inches) tall. They weigh around 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds). Even though they are small, chinstrap penguins are known for being very brave!
Images for kids
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Chinstrap penguin colony near Orne Harbor, Antarctic Peninsula
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Adult with juveniles
See also
In Spanish: Pingüino barbijo para niños
