Pygoscelis antarcticus

Chinstrap Penguins are highly social birds, known for their loud, harsh calls and large, tightly packed colonies on ice-free surfaces in the Antarctic and surrounding islands. They are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater while hunting for krill, small fish, and shrimp.

They have a distinctive breeding behavior, forming large colonies on rocky, ice-free areas. Breeding starts in late November, with both parents sharing the duties of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. Their nests are simple scrapes in the ground, lined with stones.

Named for the narrow black band under their heads that looks like a chinstrap, these penguins are about 68 to 76 cm tall and weigh around 3 to 5 kg. They have black backs and flippers, with white faces and underparts.

Chinstrap Penguins have been a subject of scientific interest since their first description. They play an essential role in Antarctic ecosystem studies, particularly concerning climate change and its impact on marine life.

Currently, the Chinstrap Penguin is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they are facing challenges due to climate change, which affects their food supply, and loss of habitat due to increasing ice melt. Conservation efforts are focused on monitoring population trends and protecting their habitat.