Penguins

Emperors (Aptenodytes patagonica) are the most southerly occurring species, being entirely dependant on sea ice for their reproduction. With a height of 115 cm and weighing up to 30 kg they are the largest penguin species. By the beginning of April emperors leave the water and travel large distances over the new pack ice to reach the fast ice along the coast. Here they congregate in flocks of several hundred individuals. In May, the female lays a single egg on the ice and leaves for the open water. Using his beak, the male immediately lifts the egg on to his feet and covers it with his warm egg pouch. The egg is then incubated for three months during mid winter when temperatures may drop to below -50°C and the male does not feed. By the time the males have lost about 40% of their weight, the females return to relieve their mates and share in the feeding of the young. Emperors look identical, yet partners always find each other and mate for life.

The chinstrap, (Pygoscelis antarctica) is the smallest of the three species and grows to 50 cm. It is not frequently seen on the sea ice, but feeds near the ice edge. It is found mainly west of the Antarctic Peninsula and on some subantarctic islands. It feeds almost exclusively on krill and shares its breeding grounds with the adelie penguins which often leads to strong rivalry between them for the little space available or for small pebbles used to construct nests. Chinstraps have profited most from the strong decimation of wale stocks and have increased their numbers considerably.