Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
- Family
- Penguins (Spheniscidae)
- Order
- Sphenisciformes
Overview
The chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) is a penguin species that inhabits various islands and shores in the Southern Pacific and the Antarctic Oceans. Its name stems from the narrow black band under its head, which makes it appear to wear a black helmet. Other common names include ringed penguin, bearded penguin, and stonecracker penguin. It is known for its loud, harsh call.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Diet: Krill.
How to identify it
- White face with a thin black line under the chin
- Black cap and bill
- Nests on rocky slopes, often in huge colonies
Voice
Loud braying.
Where to see it
- South Shetland Islands
- Deception Island
Destination guides featuring this bird
Range and habitat
Breeds on Antarctic Peninsula and associated islands, including Balleny Island (eastern Antarctica); winters mostly south of Antarctic Convergence, to southern South America and subantarctic islands.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Continents
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Chinstrap penguin
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
