They’ve earned their nickname from their braying call and rock a stylish headband as they waddle along the beaches of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. You’ll have the chance to spot the Gentoo penguin on our grand Antarctica expedition in 2026. Read on to learn more about the world’s third-largest penguin.
Donkey Penguin
The Gentoo penguin is sometimes called the “donkey penguin” – not because of how it looks, but because of its distinctive call: a loud, braying sound reminiscent of a donkey. This call is mainly used when trying to locate their partner or chick, or when defending its territory around the nest.
Wears a Headband
The Gentoo penguin is easily recognized by the white band of feathers stretching like a headband across its head from eye to eye, and by its bright orange bill. It also has the most prominent tail of all penguin species, which swings from side to side as it waddles across the sandy beaches.
A Romantic Gesture
Gentoo penguins build their nests out of small stones. During the breeding season, the male may offer a pebble to the female as a kind of engagement gift — if she accepts it, they become a pair. Because of this charming behavior, the Gentoo penguin is often seen as one of the more romantic seabirds in the animal kingdom.
Two Chicks
Unlike many other penguin species, Gentoo penguins usually raise two chicks each year instead of just one. The male and female take turns incubating the eggs for about a month until they hatch. The chicks then remain in the nest for another month before joining crèches — penguin “daycare groups” — with other chicks in the colony, where they keep each other warm and safe.
Prefers Bare Ground
Gentoo penguins usually live in smaller colonies than many of their penguin relatives and prefer ice-free coasts and rocky cliffs over snow and ice. They are therefore mainly found on sub-Antarctic islands such as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
The Fastest Swimmer
The Gentoo penguin holds the title of the fastest swimmer among all penguin species, reaching speeds of up to 36 km/h in the water. They can also dive to depths of around 200 meters and stay underwater for as long as seven minutes.
Third Largest
After the emperor and king penguins, the Gentoo penguin is the third largest penguin species in the world. They typically reach about 80–90 cm in height and weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms.
Lifespan
In the wild, Gentoo penguins live on average for about 13 years. Interestingly, their lifespan in captivity is often shorter — around 10 years — which may be due to unsuitable environmental conditions or improper feeding.
