Macaroni Penguins

Macaroni Penguins are the most abundant of all the penguins. They are members of the crested group of penguins.

Common Name: Macaroni Penguin

Scientific name: Eudyptes chrysolophus

Population: 9 million breeding pairs

Weight and height: 3.1 kg – 5.0 kg and 71 cm

Lifespan: 11.4 years

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Population Trend: Decreasing

Geographic Breeding Range: Antarctic Peninsula; Bouvet Island; Chile; Crozet Islands; Falkland Islands; Heard Island and McDonald Islands; Kerguelen Islands; Prince Edward Islands; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; South Orkney Islands

Prey/diet: Crustaceans, myctophid fish, amphipods, and cephalopods

Macaroni Penguin with its chick

Macaroni Penguins

Distinguishing physical characteristics: Conspicuous yellow crest feathers that part in the middle at the top of the head. Bill is heavy and varies in color from red to orange to brown, with a pink gape. Legs and feet are pink, eyes are dark red.

Interesting tidbit about Macaroni Penguins: This species was named in the 18th century by English explorers for their yellow-orange tassels. The tassels resembled the feathers called “macaronis” on the hats worn by young fashionable men.