Here you will find a general description of the breeding
behaviour of Eudyptes, or crested, Penguins.
The crested penguins build nests in rocky crevices, or sometimes dig out
burrows. The nests are usually lined with whatever soft vegetation is available.
Nesting density varies between species. Macaronis will nest close together
in large colonies, while Fiordlands nest far apart. The female lays two
eggs, with the second egg usually being larger than the first. In most
species the parents incubate both eggs, although sometimes the smaller,
first egg is abandoned. However, the first egg is often not viable
and even when it is successfully hatched (in about 40% of cases for Rockhoppers,
for example) the mortality rates of the chicks from these smaller first
eggs are high. It is only in very good years that both chicks can be raised.
Parents usually share the incubation duties equally. For the first days
after the eggs have hatched one parent remains brooding on the nest keeping
the chicks warm, while the other goes to sea to collect food for the chicks.
On returning to the nest the larger chick (from the second egg) is fed
first and only if there is sufficient left over will the other chick be
fed.
As the chicks grow larger they are able to survive without being brooded
in the nest. Nevertheless one parent will normally remain at the nest standing
guard to protect the chicks against any predators, such as skuas, etc.
Eventually, the chicks are big enough to be reasonably safe on their own,
they then begin to leave the nests and form small loose crèches
with chicks from nearby nests while both parents forage for more food.
Once the chicks are fully grown they moult and go to sea soon after. In
most species the adults leave the colony to fatten themselves up ready
for their moult after the chicks have left.
More details specific to Macaroni , Royal
, Snares , Erect-crested
, Fiordland and Rockhopper
penguins can be found on the pages with detailed species notes.
Guide to Pete & Barb's Penguin Pages
Front Page and Introduction
· Descriptions of the Penguins
· Detailed Species Notes ·
Breeding Behaviour · Common
questions · Penguin Goodies ·
Penguin Bibliography · Good
Penguin Guide · Photo Index ·
Links to other penguin sites ·
'Penguin-balls' · Endangered
Penguins ·
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