Wildlife in Antarctica: 3 Brush-Tailed Penguin Species to look for on your Antarctica Trip

When one envisages the icy plains of Antarctica, one’s mind usually conjures an image of tuxedo-toned penguins as they brave the bitter cold. These iconic creatures have adapted masterfully to endure Antarctica’s most extreme conditions. Behaviorally alike and equally loveable, the 3 species of brush-tailed penguins are among the most sighted in the region’s coastal areas: Gentoo penguins, Adélie penguins and Chinstrap penguins. Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins form colonies of up to 200,000 individuals and usually mate for life. When nesting, they build mounds of rocks to keep their eggs off the cold ground. Defending against predators from above has become an important skill for these protective penguins, with Skuas and Giant Petrels posing a threat to their eggs and chicks. Brush-tailed penguins begin life as fluffy caricatures of their fully grown forms, layered with grey down feathers that molt after a year or so, as if to symbolize the coming of age. Once they reach maturity, brush-tailed penguins develop their respective colorations: • Gentoo penguins have bright orange beaks and a white headband from one eye to the other; • Chinstrap penguins develop a black strip of feathers that passes beneath their black beaks, defining their white faces; • And Adélie penguins have black heads with stark, white eyes. Brush-tailed penguins are most comfortable in the water. Gentoos can reach speeds of up to 22mph, while Adélies can cover up to 200 miles on a food hunt. Their white front makes them difficult to spot from below, while their black backs means they’re virtually invisible from above. Nevertheless, predators pose a constant threat: orcas and leopard seals are the largest dangers to adult brush-tails. Penguins may be flightless, but this does not stop them flying the flag as ambassadors of Antarctica. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ► Learn More about our Upcoming Antarctica Cruises for 2020 https://www.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica-cruise.html ►Find out more information about the Gentoo, Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. of Antarctica: https://discover.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica/brush-tailed-penguins-antarcticas-tuxedo-toned-ambassadors/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silversea Cruises, is recognised as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Muse – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Origin, Silver Explorer, and Silver Cloud, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, both Polar Regions and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of four new ultra-luxury ships: Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, and two Evolution-class ships. Browse Silversea's blog, Discover, and subscribe to receive the latest content directly into your inbox.