Chinstrap Penguins

Chinstrap Penguins
(Pygoscelis Antarticus)

Introduction

Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) are the second most numerous species of penguin after the Macaroni with an estimated sevenmillion pairs.
You may hear the Chinstrap Penguin referred to by a variety of names but they are one and the same. This includes Bearded Penguin, Ringed Penguin, and Stonecracker Penguin. This is oneof the three species of penguins classified as brush tail. The other two in this category are the Gentoo Penguin and the Adelie Penguin.

Class |  Aves |
Order |  Sphenisciforms |
Family | Spheniscidae |
Genus |  Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status |  Least Concern |

Anatomy

Their distinguishing feature is a narrow ring of black feathers running underneath the cheeks and chin, fromear to ear like a strap from which it takes its name. This strap distinguishes them from Gentoos and the Adelie penguin.
Chinstraps are smaller than Emperor, Kingand Gentoo penguins but bigger thanLittle Blue or Fairy penguins.
They average about 27 inches (68 cm) in height and weigh about 12 pounds (5 kg). In terms of color, the birds are primarily black with a white underside, and they have ablack line that goes under their cheek just like the chinstrap on a helmet. The young penguins look very similar to their parents in most ways, but they do have dark spots around their eyes.

Thefeet of the Chinstrap Penguin are very strong. They also have a bill that is short and that is black in color. The chinstrap penguin is able to withstand swimming in freezing waters due to its tightlypacked feathers, which provide a waterproof coat. Thick blubber deposits provide insulation, as well, and blood vessels in the flippers and legs have evolved intricate structures to preserve heat.[5]Habitat

The chinstrap penguin is known to have the largest population of any penguin species. These penguins generally make their home in the Antarctic and sub-antarctic region. Which is...