Main Characteristics
Chinstrap Penguins are one of the most easily identifiable penguins due to the thin black line that runs from ear to ear under their chin. It looks like a chinstrap, which is where their name originates.
Their eyes are reddish-brown, and their plumage is bluish-black and white. Their beak is also black.
They generally reach a height of 28-30 inches, and a weight of 6.5-10lbs. When swimming, they can reach a top speed of 20 mph. On land, they often "sled" on their stomachs, using their feet and flippers to push them.
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguins live in large colonies all around Antarctica, but mainly on the South Sandwich Islands. One colony is believed to contain 10 million individuals. They leave their colonies and move north of the pack ice for the winter months.
Diet
Chinstrap Penguins mainly eat Krill and small Shoal Fish. They dive for prey near their colony. Dives are usually less than a minute long, and less than 200 feet deep.
Breeding
Chinstap Penguin nests are made of stones, and when complete, are usually 15 inches in diameter. They lay two eggs, which are incubated by both parents, alternating every 5 to 10 days.
After about 6 weeks, the eggs hatch, and the chicks remain in the nest for the next 30 days before they join the creche, or group of baby penguins. The babies are colored grey. After about 8 weeks, the young penguins go on their first adventure out to sea.
Predators
The Chinstrap Penguin has few natural predators. Leopard Seals, Orca Whales, and the occasional Shark are their main enemies.
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