The third-largest penguin species, Gentoos are known for their curiosity among other things, including a more prominent tail than other species and the triangular patches that meet over their eyes. It’s difficult to tell at a glance, but males tend to be larger than the females of the species, a case of sexual dimorphism. Male Gentoos attract females with gifts of stones. Penguin pairs build intricate nests of rocks and pebbles together. After breeding, female gentoos lay two eggs that weigh about 130g each (4.6 ounces). The pair then takes turns incubating the egg for close to 40 days before hatching. Gentoos can live 15-20 years in the wild, but potentially longer in captivity.
Range
Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands
Habitat
Rocky and uninhabited shores with preferred nesting sites on low level or gently sloping coastal plains
Diet
Crustaceans (mostly krill), Rock Cod, Lantern fish and squid.
Penguins' Rock
Brought to you by EPB.
Penguins Rock is presented by Little Debbie.
