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Adelie Penguin

Adélie penguins are some of the smallest penguins in the world. They grow to be just over 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall! 

 

Adélie penguins are easily recognized by the distinctive white rings encircling their eyes. The rest of their face and head are black, as is their back and tail, while their bellies are white. These seabirds are only found on Antarctica and surrounding islands. During winter, they live mostly on coastal ice platforms for better access to krill — their main source of food. In the summer, they travel to coastal beaches. Besides krill, this species of penguin also consumes fish like lantern fish, Antarctic silverfish, squid, and other cephalopods.  

These highly social animals are rarely alone, constantly engaging with other members of their colony. They migrate together during seasonal changes and hunt cooperatively to minimize the risk of predators. Mated Adélie penguins use distinctive calls to recognize both their partners and their chicks. 

 

 

The IUCN Red List classifies Adélie Penguins as a species of Least Concern. Although recent studies have shown that some populations of Adelie Penguins are stable or increasing, climate change and melting sea ice may negatively affect this species’ survival in the future.  

 

 

Taking steps to tackle the climate crisis — like stopping the expansion of offshore drilling — can address the acceleration of warming ocean temperatures that degrade coral habitats. Learn more about how Oceana campaigns to protect our climate here. 

 

 

 

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