December 16, 2008
Exclusive to the Antarctic coast is the Adélie Penguin. A shortage of ice-free nesting environments results in limitations in species distribution. The white eye-ring easily separates these individuals from other penguin species. Considered medium-sized, adults weigh between 7.9 to 13.2 lbs (3.6 to 6 kg) and measure up to 28 inches (71 cm) in height. Breeding season runs from October through February. Mating colonies form and range in number from several dozens to thousands of members. Nests consist of a single depression in the ground. To reduce the amount of melt-water to egg contact, mates line the cavity with small stones. After females lay a clutch consisting of two eggs, both parents take turns in the incubation process, which lasts roughly a month.
