Macaroni Penguin | The Complete Guide to the Sub-Antarctic’s Golden-Crested Penguin

Macaroni Penguin

Eudyptes chrysolophus

Macaroni penguins are the most widespread of the crested penguins; first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich von Brandt in 1837 when visiting the Falkland Islands. These bold and charismatic seabirds embody both elegance and eccentricity, earning their name from the 18th-century English term 'macaroni' a word once used to describe not pasta, but a man who dressed with excessive flair – relating to their flamboyant orange feather plumes.

They are among the most numerous penguin species, forming vast colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands. The cacophony of braying calls, constant flurry of feathers, and endless drama of territorial squabbles; make these true dandies of the penguin world a spectacle not to be missed.

Physical characteristics

Macaroni penguins are from the genus of crested penguins. Both sexes are similar in appearance with subtle sexual dimorphism, males are around 15-20% larger than females. These medium sized seabirds have dark heads, a wide brown-orange bill, red eyes, and pink feet with claws for traction when traversing rocky terrain. Their most distinctive feature is their crest of yellow, orange feathers above their eyes, that flow from the middle of their forehead.

Their distinct look of wearing a tuxedo is a form of camouflage known as, countershading, aiding in protection against predators. From above their black backs blend in with the dark ocean, and from below their white bellies merge with the sunlit surface waters.

• Size:  68 – 70 cm

• Weight:  4 – 7 kg

• Lifespan:  10 – 15 years

• Ave. Dive Depth:  15 – 60 m 

Behaviour and breeding

Breeding season and courtship

The breeding season begins in October – November, when adults return from winter foraging to reclaim their nesting sites. Highly social birds, macaroni penguins breed in densely packed colonies that can exceed 100,000 pairs. 

Pairs are generally monogamous for the season, often reuniting at the same site year after year. Females reach sexual maturity at five years old, with males maturing a year later. Courtship rituals are typically instigated by males and feature exuberant bowing, mutual preening, and synchronized trumpeting displays, accompanied by vigorous head-shaking.

Fledging, moulting and winter dispersal

By February, chicks have developed their waterproof plumage and are ready to fledge. Following fledging, adults return to the ocean to forage and replenish their energy reserves before undergoing their annual catastrophic moult. This moult which can last over 3 weeks is extremely energy intensive; during this time, they remain ashore and fast whilst their old feathers are replaced. 

Once moulting is complete, adults become highly pelagic, returning to sea from April to October over winter. They make extensive foraging trips until the following breeding season begins.

Diet and feeding habits

Macaroni penguins are thought to be the largest consumer of marine resources among sea birds, estimated to consume over 8 million tonnes of prey per year. They are pelagic foragers, often traveling distances of 50–100 kms from their colonies, catching most of their prey through means of pursuit-diving.  Antarctic krill form the bulk of their diet, especially during the breeding season. Though their diet varies seasonally, and is supplemented by squid, crustaceans and small fish such as myctophids, and icefish.

Like some other penguin species, macaroni penguins have been known to swallow small stones, which are thought to help grind crustacean shells and aid with buoyancy.

Depending on location, southern elephant seals are a potential danger; although they’re not looking to prey on penguins, they can accidentally crush the penguins under their sheer size and motion as they galumph across shared terrain.

Where to see them in the wild

South Georgia

South Georgia is home to an estimated 3 million breeding pairs of macaroni penguins, providing spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Large colonies can be found at landing sites such as, Cooper Bay, and Hercules Bay, while at Elsehul, the penguin’s nest along cliff edges, offering breath-taking views from the comfort of the zodiacs. 

Falkland Islands

In the Falkland Islands, macaroni penguins are present in much smaller numbers, nesting alongside rockhoppers on steep cliff tops. 

South Shetland Islands

In the South Shetland Islands macaroni penguins can sometimes be observed at Fort Point; and occasionally lone individuals are spotted mingling with chinstrap or gentoo colonies such as, on Half Moon Island, one individual nicknamed, Kevin has been observed returning across multiple seasons in amongst the chinstraps.

When to book your trip

October – November:
Adults return to their colonies, courtship and nest-building can be observed – though some macaroni penguins’ nest directly on the tussock grass.

December – January:
Peak breeding season, chicks begin hatching with constant activity as parents alternate guarding and foraging duties. 

February – March:
Chicks grow rapidly, forming crèches prior to fledging. Adults undergo their catastrophic moult before returning 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). We maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet) at all times, moving quietly and slowly and avoiding the use of flash photography. The penguins always have the right of way. Responsible wildlife viewing of penguins protects breeding success and reduces stress.