Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) & Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarctica) Penguins by Mark Carmody Via Flickr: <a href="http://www.markcarmodyphotography.com/blog" rel="nofollow">www.markcarmodyphotography.com/blog</a> and <a href="http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp" rel="nofollow">www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/RealData/Articles.asp</a> The Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarctica) is a species of penguin which is found in the South Sandwich Islands, Antarctica, Deception Island, the South Orkneys, South Shetland, South Georgia, Bouvet Island and Balleny. Their name derives from the narrow black band under their heads which makes it appear as if they are wearing black helmets, making them one of the most easily identified types of penguin. They live on barren islands and during winter congregate on large icebergs of the sub-Antarctic region and the Antarctic Peninsula; however, they require solid, snow-free ground for nesting. The chinstrap penguin's primary predator is the leopard seal. The 16 million chinstrap penguins have typical lifespans of 15–23 years. The (long-tailed) Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a penguin species in the genus Pygoscelis, most closely associated with the Adélie penguin (P. adeliae) and the Chinstrap penguin (P. antarcticus). The first scientific description was made in 1781 by Johann Reinhold Forster with a reference point of the Falkland Islands. They call in a variety of ways, but the most frequently heard is a loud trumpeting which is emitted with its head thrown back. The IUCN Red List lists the Gentoo as Near Threatened, due to a rapid decline in some key populations which is believed to be driving a moderate overall decline in the species population. (wikipedia) This area was just teeming with Gentoo, Chinstrap, Adelie Penguins, with some Kings thrown in for good measure. It was a remarkable sight.
