Chinstrap Penguin | Antarctica’s Feisty Adventurer

Pygoscelis antarcticus

First described in 1772 by Johann Reinhold Forster during Captain Cook’s voyage, these charismatic seabirds are characterised by the distinctive narrow band of black feathers beneath their chin. Renowned for their bold personalities and sense of adventure, chinstrap penguins are agile climbers, undeterred by steep terrain or harsh winds, often nesting at considerable heights - despite their modest size. 

The tireless antics between these highly gregarious birds are endlessly entertaining. Their colonies echo with loud braying, screeching, and the clatter of pebble theft. With such a hive of activity, it’s no wonder chinstrap penguins are masters of micro-naps, sometimes nodding off more than 10,000 times a day! 

Physical characteristics

Chinstrap penguins are medium-sized seabirds. Males are slightly larger than females, though sexual dimorphism is minimal, with both sexes similar in size and appearance. They are predominantly black and white, and their most distinctive feature is the narrow black band beneath the chin from which their common name, 'chinstrap penguin' is derived. They have pink feet with strong claws that provide traction on icy and rocky terrain, and prominent tail feathers that sweep the ground as they walk.

Their tuxedo-like appearance serves as a form of camouflage known as countershading, which aids in protection against predators. From above, their black backs blend with the dark ocean depths, while from below their white bellies merge with the sunlit surface waters.

Size: 68 – 77 cm
Weight: 3.5 – 5.5 kg
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Dive Depth: 121 m (max recorded)

Behaviour and social structure

The breeding season starts in late October to early November and continues through March. Like other brush-tailed penguins, chinstraps are highly social and nest in dense colonies. They are generally monogamous within a breeding season and show strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting site—and frequently the same mate—year after year.

Conservation status 

Currently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the chinstrap penguin as Least concern, with an estimate of 8,000,000 mature individuals (last assessment 2020). However, the current population trend is decreasing.

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697761/184807209

Despite their IUCN Red list status, significant population declines have been reported, particularly across parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands. These declines are believed to be linked to changes in sea-ice extent and reductions in krill biomass, both consequences of a warming climate. 

Commercial krill fisheries present an additional threat. Recent studies indicate a possible overlap between foraging areas and zones used for commercial fishing, intensifying competition for Antarctic krill. As with any large-scale fishery, there is also the risk of bycatch, further increasing their vulnerability.

When to book your trip?

October – November:
Adults return to their colonies and begin constructing their nests. Expect to witness spectacular displays of pebble theft and ecstatic trumpeting calls echoing across the colony.

December – January:
Peak breeding period with eggs hatching and small chicks starting to emerge. Constant activity as parents’ alternate incubation and foraging duties.

February – March:
Chicks grow rapidly, forming crèches before fledging. Adults undergo their catastrophic moult, resembling exploding pillows. By March, colonies disperse as most chinstraps head back to sea.

Responsible wildlife viewing

At Secret Atlas, minimising our impact on wildlife is extremely important. We adhere to strict wildlife viewing guidelines established by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). Penguins always have the right of way. We maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet) at all times, moving quietly and slowly and avoiding the use of flash photography. 

Learn more on responsible wildlife viewing of penguins here

Fun Facts

• Chinstrap penguins are known by several nicknames, including the Ringed penguin, Bearded Penguin, and thanks to their piercing vocalisations, the Stone cracker penguin.

• Chinstrap penguins can reach swimming speeds of up to 30km/h (18mph), though on land they often toboggan - lying on their bellies and pushing themselves across the snow. 

• Their guano is pink due to a diet rich in Antarctic krill, and can even be visible from space in satellite images. 

• Chinstrap penguins develop their distinctive 'chinstrap' – a narrow band of feathers beneath their chin between 50 and 60 days old.

• Research has revealed that chinstrap penguins can nap more than 10,000 times a day, these endless micro-naps last just a few seconds each.

• Occasionally, chinstrap penguins shed their stomach lining producing a substance called ‘koillin’. This is thought to help them cope with fluoride ingested from consuming krill.

• The largest colony of chinstrap penguins are volcano-dwellers, living on Zavodovski, a volcanic island in the South Sandwich Islands. It’s thought there are around two million penguins breeding here.