With its characteristic waddling walk and lively expression, the Adélie penguin has inspired the annual celebration of World Penguin Day. During our grand Antarctic expedition, you’ll have the chance to encounter this tuxedo-clad bird along the rocky coasts of Antarctica. Here are some fascinating facts about the Adélie penguin.
Prefers cold weather
The Adélie penguin lives along the entire Antarctic coast and is one of the southernmost bird species in the world. They thrive in the cold, and during winter they migrate to the open waters around the pack ice.
Skilled Walkers
Although they move with the famous waddling penguin walk, Adélie penguins are skilled walkers and can cover long distances—sometimes several kilometres—to reach the sea. To conserve energy, they often slide on their bellies across the snow, using their propelling feet to push themselves forward.
Wears a Tuxedo
The Adélie penguin sports the characteristic black-and-white plumage resembling a tuxedo. Its most distinctive feature compared to other penguins is the white ring around each eye, giving it a lively and alert expression. They measure about 70 cm in height and weigh around 5 kg.
How It Got Its French Name
The penguin is named after Adélie Land, a region discovered by the French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville in 1840, who named it after his wife.
High jumpers
Adélie penguins are excellent swimmers and divers. They can dive as deep as 170 metres but usually hunt in shallower waters where light still penetrates. If they reach high enough speeds in the water, they can leap onto pack ice up to two metres high!
Impresses with Stones
During the breeding season, they form large colonies along the rocky Antarctic coast. The males build nests out of stones, and after a few days, the females arrive to be courted with bows and the males’ attempts to impress them with their carefully collected stones.
Sounds and Calls
If you hear a mix of squawks, growls, and trumpet-like noises, it might be the Adélie penguins communicating with one another.
Faithful to Their Partner
There are about 2.5 million breeding pairs, and they often remain monogamous, forming bonds that can last for life.
World Penguin Day
Remember to celebrate on April 25 each year! That’s when World Penguin Day takes place — inspired by the Adélie penguin. The timing of the celebration coincides with the chicks’ migration toward the Southern Ocean.
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© Marty Garwood -
© Erik Edvardsson