Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) are one of the many species of penguins found in Antarctica. Contrary to popular belief penguins do not live in the Arctic, however they also do not exclusively lie in the Antarctic. Some species of penguins may be found in South America, Africa, and Australian south sea regions. Adelie penguins are only found in Antarctica. Emperor penguins as well are unique to this region.
The Adelie penguin is a flightless bird, and an excellent swimmer. It stands roughly 18 inches tall and is covered with mostly white feathers, with a black back and throat. Its eye has a white ring around it. Adelie penguins live in rookeries which are generally built on rocky headland. The population of these rookeries can be in the thousands of birds. During nesting season, the birds return to their old rookeries and to the exact nest they left the year before. Although the nests are covered with snow the Adelie always knows right where it is. The males usually arrive first and ward off other birds from the nest while the female arrives. Oddly, the nests are constructed in such a way that the spacing between the nests is nearly identical in every direction.
When the eggs are laid, it is the male who cares for them while the female returns to the ocean for food, and when she returns weeks later the male goes off and feeds. During this period the male will not eat and will lose about half of its body weight. The eggs hatch in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. New chicks are fed by the parents at first. The parent bird will go out and catch food by swallowing it, and on return to the nest will regurgitate the food directly into the mouths of its young. Later, they will be forced to find food on their own, under the guidance and instruction of the adults.
All the while they are prone to attack by the wily Skua bird who will take every opportunity to catch baby penguins in their beaks or teal the unhatched eggs. Skuas are especially fond of eating penguin eyes. And, in the sea leopard seals and other predators await.
Rumors that Adelie penguins will push another penguin into the water before them to see if there are any predatory seals about have been largely dismissed. The favoured theory is now one of the Lemming Syndrome, where birds will stand around until someone moves and if one goes in the water they all go in. Bumping and josting goes on while penguins are in groups therefore it may appear like one penguin pushed another off the edge of the ice. Adelies, like other species of penguin are truly suited to the water and are quite comical to observe on land.
Scientists, by watching the penguin's habits, have been able to draw conclusions about the effects of water pollution the Antarctic ecosystem. These birds are barometers of Antarctic life--and amusing, charming creatures.
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