The macaroni penguin is a species of penguin found from the Subantarctic to the Antarctic Peninsula. One of eight species of crested penguin, it is very closely related to the royal penguin, and some authorities consider the two to be a single species. It bears a distinctive yellow crest on its forehead. Its face and upperparts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts. Adults weigh on average 5.5 kg (12 lb) and are 70 cm (28 in) in length. The male and female are similar in appearance; the male is slightly larger and stronger with a larger bill. Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine lifestyle.
Region
Subantarctic and Antarctic Peninsula
Typical Environment
Breeds on rugged subantarctic islands with rocky shores and tussock-covered slopes, including South Georgia, South Sandwich, South Orkney, South Shetland, Bouvet, Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen, Heard, and Macquarie. Forages widely across the Southern Ocean, often near the Antarctic Polar Front where prey is concentrated. During the non-breeding season, adults disperse far from colonies over cold, nutrient-rich waters. Colonies are typically located close to the shore but can extend up steep slopes and cliffs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Macaroni penguins are the most numerous of the crested penguins and are closely related to the royal penguin. Their name comes from 18th‑century British sailors who likened the ornate yellow crest to the flamboyant 'macaroni' fashion. They typically lay two eggs but usually raise only the second, larger chick. Populations have declined in parts of their range due to climate shifts and changes in prey availability.
A skeleton on display in Manchester Museum
Showing the conspicuous orange and yellow crests
A colony climbing in Cooper Bay, South Georgia
A nesting pair at Hannah Point, Livingston Island
An individual porpoising in Cooper Bay
An egg from the Kerguelen Islands
A preserved chick at the Auckland Museum
Temperament
highly social and vocal
Flight Pattern
flightless; powerful underwater swimmer
Social Behavior
Breeds in enormous, densely packed colonies on rocky or tussocky slopes. Pairs are generally monogamous within a season and use ritualized displays to maintain pair bonds. Typically lays two eggs but the smaller first egg rarely produces a fledged chick, with parental investment focused on the second egg.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Loud braying and trumpeting calls carry over colonies, used for mate recognition and territory signaling. Contact calls are harsh and grating, while display calls include synchronized duets with head and flipper movements.
