When it comes to breeding and nesting, gentoo penguins have been dubbed one of the more romantic seabirds in the animal kingdom.
Gentoo penguin pairs start by building intricate nests of rocks and pebbles together, and individual pebbles may be shared between potential mates beforehand as a sign that they are interested in becoming a breeding pair.
The nests are then used for laying the egg in during incubation, which lasts for close to 40 days. Males and females work together closely during the process, taking turns incubating the egg and forming long-lasting bonds with each other that continue after the chick has hatched.
Many gentoo penguins, once reaching sexual maturity at around 2 years old, will return to previous nesting sites year after year.
Fun Facts About Gentoo Penguins
1. Gentoo penguins are the third largest penguin species, reaching a maximum weight of 17.6 pounds (8 kg).
2. Unlike many other penguin species, gentoo penguins rear two chicks a year opposed to one.
3. Male and female gentoo penguins take turns incubating their eggs, which lasts for 34 to 37 days.
4. Gentoo penguins usually mate with the same partner every year.
5. Gentoo penguins have long tails that sweep from side to side as they walk, giving them the most prominent tail of any penguin species.
2. Unlike many other penguin species, gentoo penguins rear two chicks a year opposed to one.
3. Male and female gentoo penguins take turns incubating their eggs, which lasts for 34 to 37 days.
4. Gentoo penguins usually mate with the same partner every year.
5. Gentoo penguins have long tails that sweep from side to side as they walk, giving them the most prominent tail of any penguin species.
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