Gentoo Penguins
The Falklands

Life in the Surf

Gentoo Penguins are the world's third largest Penguin, reaching a height of 30 inches and a weight of 12 lbs. Nesting colonies can be found on the numerous islands surrounding Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. Gentoos are characterized by a white patch around and behind the eye that joins on the crown and an orange-red lower mandible.

	Gentoo Penguins porpoising near the beach. Gentoos spend most of the day hunting primarily for krill.  They are believed to hunt close to shore but have been found as far out as sixteen miles. The Gentoo is a strong swimmer and can reach speeds up to twentytwo miles per hour, faster than any other diving bird.
	Upon their return, groups of Gentoo will parallel the shore, waiting for the right moment to head for the beach.  When the moment comes, the Gentoo rides the waves, sometimes above the  surf,
	and sometimes on or below the surf.
	The Gentoos appear to just launch themselves out of the water as they reach the beach.
	Adult Gentoo and chick. Young chicks form creches after leaving the nest, about thirty days after hatching.  At the end of the day, when the adults have returned from hunting, the chicks can usually be seen following the adults, looking to be fed.
	As chicks mature, they will follow the adults around the colony,
	until at about 80 to 100 days, they are ready to go out to sea.
	Chick in subadult plumage.
	Adult Gentoo Penguin.

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