COSMOS MAGAZINE

Antarctic penguins:  5 facts about Chinstraps

It might come as a surprise to learn that only four of the world’s 18 penguin species actually live in Antarctica!

Here’s a closer look at Chinstrap penguins.

Brush Stroke
Brush Stroke
Brush Stroke

Credit: Getty

Thick Brush Stroke
Thick Brush Stroke

(Pygoscelis antarctica)

Chinstrap Penguins

Images: Getty

Brush Stroke

Chinstraps get their name from the thin black stripe under their chin, resembling a helmet strap.

Off-white Banner

Antarctic Penguins:

Chinstraps

Chinstraps accumulate  11 hours of sleep daily  in 4-second micro-sleep bursts.

Brush Stroke
Off-white Banner

Antarctic Penguins:

Chinstraps

Brush Stroke

Chinstraps build nests from stones and frequently steal pebbles from neighbours, sparking comical squabbles.

Off-white Banner

Antarctic Penguins:

Chinstraps

Brush Stroke

Chinstraps return to their birthplace to breed each year, a behavior that has persisted for thousands of generations.

Off-white Banner

Antarctic Penguins:

Chinstraps

Breeding colonies are so dense and noisy that Chinstraps are sometimes called “the noisiest penguins.

Brush Stroke
Off-white Banner

Antarctic Penguins:

Chinstraps

Discover Antarctica 

with Scenic Eclipse  in 2025 & 2026