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The habitat and lifestyle of the little penguin is slightly different from other species. He does not wander in the ice of Antarctica, courageously confronting the formidable elements, but lives comfortably on the southern coast of Australia, the Philippines, Chile. Externally, the smallest penguin resembles a charming plush toy. But he has completely non-stop worries about the upcoming day, the choice of a couple and the education of offspring.
Big worries of a small penguin
Among stiff counterparts with sedate movements and plumage resembling a black tailcoat, this species really has a slightly frivolous appearance. The bright blue back contrasts with the white throat and underbelly, the feathers fit tightly to the body, glistening with grease. It does not allow feathers to get wet during food extraction, maintains the temperature balance of the bird's body. Glossy paws complement the picture - flippers with sharp claws and a blue or gray beak. Wings are more like fins, on land penguins are clumsy, walk and run around the mess. But in the water column they transform, gracefully gliding, turning sharply and always returning with prey. The height of an adult bird is 30 cm with a weight of 1 - 1.5 kg. Looking at this rather miniature bird, the thought never arises that it is the penguin population that produces the constant roar, howling and sharp shouts. They, like experienced tradespeople, cannot be silent, commenting on the slightest movement of neighbors, sharing their impressions and protecting the territory. The noise reaches its peak during the courtship.
Family chores
Small penguins pick up a pair once and for life. After feeding the chicks, they diverge in different directions, but in the mating season they meet again, noisily telling how they got bored over the past time. The courtship process is very beautiful. The male becomes straight, raises his wings up, carefully stretches his neck and begins to sing his serenade for the chosen one. And it doesn’t matter that the song is more like a roar and a howl at the same time, the female simply melts from such attention, expressing her favor to the diligent singer. Often males bring pebbles, showing their domesticity, build nests, trying to attract a female.
The most important moment in the life of the chicks is the first molt. Not all individuals will be able to survive this difficult stage. The preparation is the process of fattening the young, when adults take them to the sea for 2 to 3 weeks. The field of youth gaining mass within 1 kg, they return to shore. For several weeks, the penguins are motionless, trying not to make sudden movements and not waste precious energy. In this case, the birds do not eat anything and at the end of the molt they lose up to half their body weight. Anyone who does not have enough subcutaneous fat reserves may die.
Male penguins feed on fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and squid.
Interesting moments from the life of small penguins
- Scientists study them to understand the process of accumulation and conservation of vital energy during accelerated metabolism.
- In Australia, tourists tend to get to the penguin parade when they enter the sea.
- Small penguins get food and chat at night.
Small, but brave, small penguins live 6–7 years, sometimes in captivity life expectancy reaches 25. They are not afraid of people, trustingly walking at sunset from the sea to their nests under the eyes of admiring tourists.
Video: 10 facts about penguins
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