Macquarie Island: Gentoo Penguins
Gentoo penguins are third largest penguins after the Emperors and Kings, without 10% of the global population of half a million making Macquarie Island their home. Gentoo penguins usually mate with the same partner year after year and return to the same breeding ground. Interestingly, they lay two eggs and actually are successful in raising two chicks at once (other penguins only succeed with one). They don’t form massive colonies and usually prefer rocky but flat beaches or grassy areas to make a nest. They don’t particularly mind nesting among other penguin species, like king or royal penguins. Gentoos mostly feed on crustaceans and to a lesser extent on fish, making short but deep dives for food. They don’t stray too far from the home colony grounds and usually fish around the shore. Gentoo penguins cannot be confused with any other penguins as they have a distinctive white patch above their eyes; more interestingly those white patches are unique and no two are exactly alike.
