Macaroni Penguin Facts

Eudyptes chrysolophus, commonly referred to as Macaroni Penguins, are the largest and most abundant species of penguins in the world. They belong to the species of crested penguins and are very similar to the Royal penguins. Macaroni penguins are larger than their cousins and they can be easily distinguished by their trademark yellow-orange crest feathers. Here are some of the interesting facts about Macaroni penguins.

This species of penguins were named in the 18th century by English explorers, for their yellow-orange tassels. The tassels resembled the feathers, called 'macaronis,' on the hats worn by young men. The term was also made popular by the revolutionary war song "Yankee Doodle".

Inhabitation and Population
Macaroni penguins are inhabitants of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions which include South Georgia, Argentina, Kerguelen islands, Heard and McDonald islands, and Isles Crozet. There is an estimated population of 9 million breeding pairs of Macaroni penguins and there are around 216 breeding colonies at 50 locations.

Appearance
Male Macaroni penguins weigh around 3.3-4 kg while the females weigh around 4-4.5 kg. A female macaroni penguin appears to be smaller than the male. Their average length would be around 70cm. Both males and females have a black throat, chin and head. The yellow-orange crest originates in the center of the forehead and spreads out horizontally backwards. The body and tail of macaroni penguins appear to be bluish black initially and turn brownish later. The males have a relatively larger bill which measures 6.1 cm approximately, while the female's bill measures 5.4 cm approximately. Their legs and feet are pink, their eyes are red and their crests are fully developed when they are around 3-4 years old. Their old feathers are replaced once every year through the process of Molting, which takes three to four weeks.

Diet
Macaroni penguins mainly feed on Krill. Occasionally, squids, crustaceans and fish also form a part of their diet. They are known to be the largest consumers of marine reserves. Their food hunting abilities are best displayed before or after the breeding season wherein they dive more efficiently and hunt longer.

Breeding
Breeding in macaroni penguins takes place in colonies on coasts and cliffs. The males start breeding when they are around six years of age while the females can start breeding at the age of five itself. The population of male macaroni penguins is more than that of the females. October is a favorable time for breeding and they lay eggs by November. For nesting purposes, they prepare a shallow pit in the ground with stones and tussock grass lining it. Two eggs are laid with a gap of 4-5 days between each egg, the first weighing around 90–94 grams and the second around 145–155-grams. The first egg has very less chances of surviving. Incubation lasts for about 5 weeks and incubation duties are performed in shifts by the male and the female. After the eggs hatch, the chicks are fed for about 24 days until they have started showing signs of rapid development. At 11 weeks of age, the chicks fledge and are ready to leave their parents. The parent penguins then leave their breeding colonies and go to sea. They live between 8 to 15 years in the wild.

Predators and Threats
The Leopard seal, killer whales and the Antarctic Fur Seal prey on adult macaroni penguins while the eggs and young ones are preyed upon by the Giant Petrels, the Kelp Gull and the Skua. The macaroni penguins are threatened by rising temperatures of the sea-surface due to global warming, marine pollution and commercial fishing. Their species have been declared 'vulnerable' by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Owing to the decline in the population of Macaroni penguins, despite their large numbers, steps are being incorporated to protect their breeding colonies as well as their habitats.