The Adélie penguin is a species of penguin common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent, which is the only place where it is found. It is the most widespread penguin species, and, along with the emperor penguin, is the most southerly distributed of all penguins. It is named after Adélie Land, in turn, named for Adèle Dumont d'Urville, who was married to French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, who first discovered this penguin in 1840. Adélie penguins obtain their food by both predation and foraging, with a diet of mainly krill and fish.
Region
Antarctic coast and Southern Ocean
Typical Environment
Breeds around the Antarctic continent on ice-free rocky shores, headlands, and offshore islands. Outside the breeding season, it disperses widely with the pack ice, foraging along ice edges, polynyas, and open leads. Colonies can be found from the Antarctic Peninsula to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. It favors productive continental shelf waters rich in krill and small fish. Nest sites are typically close to access points to open water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Adélie penguins are the most widespread penguin of the Antarctic coastline and one of the two most southerly breeding penguins. They were named for Adélie Land, itself named after Adèle Dumont d’Urville by the French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville. They form huge colonies and build pebble nests, often engaging in elaborate displays over stones. Their fortunes are closely tied to sea ice and the availability of krill.
Cape Adare
Chicks in Antarctica, with MS Explorer
An egg in the Muséum de Toulouse
Mating in Antarctica
Stuffed chick at Auckland Museum
![Adélie penguins are identified and weighed each time they cross the automated weighbridge on their way to or from the sea.[46]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Automated_weighbridge_for_Ad%C3%A9lie_penguins_-_journal.pone.0085291.g002.png/1280px-Automated_weighbridge_for_Ad%C3%A9lie_penguins_-_journal.pone.0085291.g002.png)
Adélie penguins are identified and weighed each time they cross the automated weighbridge on their way to or from the sea.[46]
Adelie penguins after a blizzard at Cape Denison, 1912
In Antarctica
Adélie penguins and Mount Erebus, photographed during the Terra Nova Expedition of 1913
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
flightless; powerful underwater swimmer using rapid flipper strokes
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, breeding in dense groups that can number tens of thousands. Builds pebble nests; both parents incubate two eggs and share chick rearing. Strong site fidelity, often returning to the same nest area each year. On land they are alert and noisy, engaging in ritualized displays and pebble-offering.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include braying, barking, and rattling calls, especially during courtship and territory defense. Calls are loud and carry over the colony, helping mates and chicks recognize each other. Pair displays involve synchronized postures accompanied by throaty, nasal calls.
