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Macaroni Penguins

Macaroni Penguins

Eudyptes chrysolophus
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
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.

Fun Fact:

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.

Current Conservation Status

Population trends:

Decreasing arrow

Macaroni Penguin Conservation Status:

Vulnerable

Vulnerable status bar

Range Map:

Macaroni Penguin range and distribution map

Get more penguin information at the links below

Read through related blogs from our penguin experts for more information on Macaroni Penguins:

 

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