Of those that do, the purpose of the rock collecting is to build an elevated nest so the eggs and/or chicks won't get wet or drown when it rains or when the snows melt. read more
Usually, those rocks are warm. As a rule, it’s cold where Gentoos live. When their parents are out getting food, the chicks hang out on rocks to absorb some of the warmth. read more
Gentoo penguins do not store as much fat as the Adelie penguin, their closest relative, because Gentoos require less energy investment when hunting. The net gain of energy after hunting is greater in Gentoos than Adelies, so Gentoos do not need large energy stores as adults. As embryos, Gentoos require a lot of energy in order to develop. read more
The chinstrap penguin has a stripe of black that runs from one side of its head to the other. This strip looks like a chinstrap. The shape of all penguins makes them aerodynamic. It is the perfect shape for gliding through the water as they swim. Most birds have hollow bones. Penguins do not. read more