Macaroni Penguins for Kids

You may be disappointed to discover that macaroni penguins have little to do with pasta. The term "macaroni" refers to the yellow plumage on penguins' faces; the feathers resemble macaronis, which were colorful hats from the 18th century. The scientific name for the macaroni penguin is Eudyptes chrysolophus. Their lifestyle, encompassing elements such as nesting and eating habits, is comparable to other species of penguins.

  1. Appearance

    • According to the Center for Biological Diversity, on average, macaroni penguins are 20 to 28 inches tall and weigh 11 pounds. Their under parts are white, while their upper parts are black. They resemble royal penguins; however, macaroni penguins have black chins rather than white. Their beaks are orange-brown, and their eyes are red. Like other penguins, their flat, stiff wings permit them to swim but not fly.

    Population and Breeding

    • Macaroni penguins have a larger population than any other species of penguins. According to Bird Life, there are nine million pairs of these birds. During the breeding season, parents take turns nursing the eggs. Once the eggs have hatched, the males guard the chicks while the females hunt for food.

    Habitats

    • Macaroni penguins gather in colonies on rocky areas, such as cliffs, near water. They have breeding sites on small islands throughout the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions such as South Georgia, South Sandwich, Prince Edward and Crozet Islands. While searching for food, they may travel to islands near Australia and New Zealand.

    Diet and Feeding

    • Macaroni penguins mostly feed on krill, fish and small squid. According to Antarctica Connection, the penguins may dive to depths of 50 to 200 feet in pursuit of prey. Nightly dives are shallower. According to Penguins-World, macaroni penguins won't feed during molting period; without feathers, the birds would freeze while diving into the cold waters.

    Predators and Other Threats

    • Leopard seals, sea lions and orcas feed on macaroni penguins. Shore birds, such as kelp, gull and giant petrels, hunt younger penguins and eggs. Aside from natural predators, fisheries and oil pollution pose a threat to macaroni penguin colonies. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, their population is in decline.