Morphology
Gentoo Penguins are bilaterally symmetrical, medium-sized, and have bright red beaks and peach-colored feet. They are most easily distinguished by their bonnet-like, white markings on the top of their heads. and are most closely related to the Adelie and Chinstrap penguins. They are the third largest penguin in the world, reaching heights of 30 inches and can weigh up to 12 pounds.
Biology
Gentoo Penguins, like all other penguin species, have adapted to harsh conditions and get all their food from the freezing ocean. They use their flippers to propel them through the water, and have been said to be the fastest swimmers out of all penguin species. Their flippers are paddle-like and their streamlined bodies aid them in their swimming.
Distribution Map
Importance
Penguins have been hunted for their blubber, which is used to make oil for fuel. Gentoo skins have also been used for caps, clothes, slippers, and purses. Gentoo Penguins spend large amounts of time on land preening to maintain plumage and to remove parasites when breeding at certain locations.
Facts
1. Gentoo Penguins can reach up to 30mph when swimming.
2. Gentoo Penguins dive up to 450 times a day looking for food.
3. The total breeding population of Gentoo Penguins is said to be up to 300,000 pairs.
4. Gentoo Penguins nest in early June.
5. Fish only make up about %15 of their diet.
2. Gentoo Penguins dive up to 450 times a day looking for food.
3. The total breeding population of Gentoo Penguins is said to be up to 300,000 pairs.
4. Gentoo Penguins nest in early June.
5. Fish only make up about %15 of their diet.
Vocabulary
1. Brood patch - bare patch of skin on a penguin for breeding
2. Flipper - a penguin's specially adapted wing
3. Pelagic - birds who spend most of their life in or on the sea but come to land to breed
4. Tobogganing- a penguin's act of sliding on the ice
5. Piscivorous - a diet that contains mostly fish
2. Flipper - a penguin's specially adapted wing
3. Pelagic - birds who spend most of their life in or on the sea but come to land to breed
4. Tobogganing- a penguin's act of sliding on the ice
5. Piscivorous - a diet that contains mostly fish