Chinstrap Penguin
(Pygoscelis antarcticus)
At the Detroit Zoo
The chinstrap penguins can be seen at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center – the largest penguin facility in the world – along with the macaroni, gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins. A unique circular pool lets the birds swim continuously, giving them the ability to swim fast enough to porpoise and “fly” through the water. The Detroit Zoo is one of the few zoos where penguins can display this natural behavior.
Description
Chinstrap penguins have black plumage on top of the heads, white faces and a thin line of black feathers beneath their lower mandible extending from cheek to cheek. They also have a ring of black skin around each reddish-brown eye and a black bill.
Fun Facts
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Chinstrap penguins are the smallest of the brush-tailed penguins but are known for their exceptionally feisty behavior.
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The males can produce “penguin’s milk” for their hatchlings if the females do not return with food.