Macaroni+2012

Macaroni Penguins 2012 Ayesha and Ashi

Characteristics: The Macaroni penguin is one of six species of the crested penguins. They are similar to Royal penguins. Both have yellow and black plumes joining at the top of their head. The difference is that the Macaroni penguins have solid black feathers on their cheek and chin.

Habitat: The Macaroni penguin lives in the Southern Chile, Falkland islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich islands, and the South Orkney islands.They live in much of Antarctica and Antarctic Peninsula.They also live in South Shetland islands, Bouvet islands, Prince Edward and Marion islands, Crozet islands, Kerguelen islands, Heard and the McDonald islands.

Food: The Macaroni penguins eat Crustaceans, Squid, Fish, Krill, Antarctic Krill, Marbled Rockcod, Painted notie, Champsocephalnsgunneri, and lantern fish.

Predators:

The Macaroni penguin's predators are the Leopard seal, Arctic Fur seal, Subantarctic Fur seal, Skua, Snowy Sheatbill, Kelp Gull, and Giant Petrels.

Babies: Usually females start breeding at five years and males start breeding at six years in October.The eggs are laid in November. Two eggs are laid at a time. The first egg is smaller and doesn't hatch. The second egg is bigger and it is incubated by both parents. Once the egg is hatched, daddy penguin takes care of the baby. Mommy penguin brings food to the chick. At birth, the baby Macaroni penguin weighs about 900 grams. After 60 days, they grow adult feathers and are ready to go out to sea.

Other Interesting Facts:  1.They were named " Macaroni " by English sailors due to their yellow crest. 2.The Macaroni penguins are the most numerous species of penguins. 3.The Males have larger bills than females. 4.They can dive up to 19 meters if required.

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 26px; text-align: left;">Future: <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 26px; text-align: left;">The Macaroni penguins are not endangered but vulnerable.The current population is around 12 million pairs! The global warming is also threatening the survival of the Macaroni penguin species.