Hobbies And Interests
Habitat and Climate
These penguins generally live in temperate climates, in countries such as Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. The Magellanic penguin prefers coastal habitats and can travel long distances to reach warmer climates during the winter migration. Magellanic penguins that inhabit the Falkland Islands leave the area in April, when winter begins and travel to warmer countries such as Brazil. One of these penguins was found to travel more than 1,600 miles over a period of 75 days, according to the Falklands Conservation.
Burrows
Magellanic penguins dig deep burrows, which are mainly used for nesting. Burrows can reach depths of up to 6 feet. Female penguins lay two eggs inside an underground burrow, which helps to regulate temperature during incubation. The burrows are carefully constructed to protect the eggs from collected rainwater by building a chamber for the eggs at a slightly higher elevation than the tunnel that leads to it. After hatching, chicks remain in the shelter of the underground burrow for another month before they enter the wider world. These burrows also provide protection for the shy Magellanic penguins who will rush to the burrow if they sense danger.
Bare Patches of Skin
Because Magellanic penguins inhabit warmer regions than many other species of penguin, they have adaptations that allow them to regulate their body temperature. In warm weather, these penguins lose feathers around their eyes and beaks. These areas of bare, pink skin allow heat to escape, preventing the bird from overheating.
Markings
Magellanic penguins have distinct markings that are similar to a tuxedo in appearance. The back and head of these penguins is black, and the belly is white. The white belly also features two striking black stripes. The first stretches horizontally just below the penguin's neck and the second is arched around the edge of the belly area, running from bottom to top on both sides of the belly, joined by a curve at the top of the breast. Magellanic penguins also have a white band on their heads, running from above their eyes and down the sides of their heads.
Call
In the Falkland Islands, local people sometimes refer to the species by the common name of Jackass. This name is derived from the nature of the penguin's call, which is similar to the sound of a donkey braying.