The Magellanic penguin is a South American penguin, breeding in coastal Patagonia, including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, with some migrating to Brazil and Uruguay, where they are occasionally seen as far north as Espírito Santo. Vagrants have been found in El Salvador, the Avian Island in Antarctica, Australia, and New Zealand. It is the most numerous of the Spheniscus banded penguins. Its nearest relatives are the African penguin, the Humboldt penguin, and the Galápagos penguins. The Magellanic penguin was named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who spotted the birds in 1520. The species is listed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Region
Southern South America and Falkland Islands
Typical Environment
Breeds along rocky and sandy coasts of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, as well as the Falkland Islands. Uses burrowed or sheltered nest sites in coastal scrub and grasslands near shore. Foraging occurs over the continental shelf in nutrient-rich, cold waters influenced by upwelling. Nonbreeding birds disperse widely at sea and may be seen far north along the Atlantic and, less commonly, Pacific coasts. Vagrants occasionally reach Antarctica and even Australia or New Zealand.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Magellanic penguins breed in large colonies along the coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, and many migrate northward after breeding, sometimes reaching Uruguay and southern Brazil. They are famous for their loud, braying calls that sound like a donkey. Adults nest in burrows or under shrubs, which helps protect chicks from heat and predators. Major threats include oil spills, entanglement in fishing gear, and fluctuations in prey due to climate variability.
Magellanic penguin on Argentina's coast
Skeleton of a Magellanic penguin
Adults and chicks by their burrow in Cape Virgenes, Patagonia, Argentina
A Magellanic penguin at the entrance of a nest burrow on Magdalena Island in the Straight of Magellan
A chick at Isla Martillo in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Magellanic penguins at the Strait of Magellan near the archaeological site of Nombre de Jesús
Temperament
social and highly colonial
Flight Pattern
Flightless; powerful underwater swimmer
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often returning to the same nest burrows year after year. Pairs are generally monogamous within a season and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Chicks form crèches when older, allowing adults to forage more efficiently. Adults show strong site fidelity and coordinated guard/forage shifts during early chick stages.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, braying calls reminiscent of a donkey, used in mate and territory displays. Softer growls and contact calls are given at close range within colonies.
