Essential Adelie Penguin Information

The Adélie penguin is native to the Antarctic and was named after Adélie Land, which honors the wife of the explorer who discovered it. These penguins are medium-sized, reaching about 70 cm (2ft 4") in height and weighing between 3.5 to 6 kg (8 to 13 pounds). They are known for their "tuxedo" appearance, thanks to their dark tails and black-feathered bills that cover their red beaks. A distinctive white ring around their eyes also sets them apart.

Habitat and Breeding

Adélie penguins breed between October and February, traveling across sea ice to reach their nesting sites. These penguins prefer rocky ridges for building nests out of stones, where they lay two eggs. Their breeding season coincides with the Antarctic summer, when they can access open waters to hunt.

Feeding and Migration

Krill forms the primary diet of Adélie penguins. To maintain access to this food source, they migrate with the changing seasons, ensuring they stay near the ice edge. Their remarkable athleticism allows them to leap up to 10 feet from the water onto ice shelves or rocky shores.

Fun Facts about Adélie Penguins

Adélie penguins are less common on the NW Peninsula north of the Lemaire Channel, though a few colonies exist. The Antarctic Sound, located at the peninsula's tip, is another prime spot for Adélie colonies. Despite their small size, these penguins can dive up to 180 meters (590 feet) deep and hold their breath for up to six minutes while hunting underwater.