Eudyptes chrysolophus

(Brandt, 1837)

Vernacular names
English : Macaroni penguin
French : Gorfou doré

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Sphenisciformes
Family : Spheniscidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 71 cm in length for a weight of 6,6 kg. Robust pink feet, short but robust bill. White breast and belly, rest of plumage black with brght golden yellow eyebrows and long falling plumes from eyebrow to nape.

Range and habitat
This species occurs off southern tip of South America, north tip of Antarctica Peninsula and on islands of south Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Breeds on cliffs and rocky flats, often near old lava flows.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is locally abundant but has been decreasing with the effects of global warming, rarefaction of prey and loss of nesting sites.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (Taiwan), Zoo Antwerpen (Belgium)

 

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