The gentoo penguin is a penguin species in the genus Pygoscelis, most closely related to the Adélie penguin and the chinstrap penguin. The earliest scientific description was made in 1781 by Johann Reinhold Forster with a type locality in the Falkland Islands. The species calls in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud trumpeting, which the bird emits with its head thrown back.
Region
Subantarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
Typical Environment
Gentoos breed on many subantarctic islands including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen, Heard and Macquarie, and also on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby island groups. They favor ice-free coastal areas with gently sloping beaches, rocky shores, and tussock grass for nesting. Colonies are typically close to reliable inshore feeding grounds over continental shelves. Outside the breeding season, birds remain near their colonies or disperse locally at sea.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The gentoo penguin is the fastest underwater swimmer among penguins, reaching burst speeds over 30 km/h. It is easily recognized by its bright orange bill and the bold white stripe that runs across the top of its head from eye to eye. Gentoos build pebble nests and often present pebbles to mates as part of courtship.
Saunders Island, Falkland Islands
A close-up of head on the West Falkland
Egg, Museum Wiesbaden
A family on Wiencke Island, Palmer Archipelago, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula
Gentoo penguins in Antarctica, walking along a "penguin highway", a path that joins the sea and their nesting area on a rocky outcrop
Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus) attacking a gentoo chick at Godthul, South Georgia
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
flightless; powerful underwater swimmer
Social Behavior
Gentoos nest in dense colonies and build nests of pebbles, grass, and feathers. Pairs are seasonally monogamous with strong site fidelity, often reusing nest sites. Typically two eggs are laid, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, trumpeting brays delivered with the head thrown back, especially during displays and pair bonding. Calls are resonant and carry across colonies, aiding in partner and chick recognition.
