Gentoo Penguin

Pygoscelis papua (Forster, JR, 1781)

Gentoo Penguin, Pygoscelis papua, breeds across the Southern Ocean, mainly on subantarctic islands and also on some Antarctic islands. It is a penguin of ice-free breeding sites, from shorelines to places well inland, often in shallow coastal areas and grassy ground. It is readily identified by the broad white band over the top of the head and the bright orange-red bill. The tail is notably long for a penguin and is carried behind as the bird walks. The species was described by Forster in 1781.

Order

Sphenisciformes

Family

Spheniscidae — Penguins

Breeding range

Southern Ocean: mainly subantarctic is., locally Antarctic is.