C H I N S T R A P P E N G U I N S
The Chinstrap Penguins are the most numerous penguins in the world. It is estimated there are 12 to 13 million located on the barren islands of the sub-Antarctic Region and the Antarctic Peninsula. These penguins live and breed in large colonies. They often live on large icebergs on the open ocean. They dive off to catch fish and krill. They are the boldest penguin and are most likely to fight other penguins. | 
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| They got their name from the thin curved line of black feathers running under the chin. They stand about 28 inches (72 cm) tall and weigh about 9 to 14 lbs. (3.5 to 5 kg). The weight of the adults vary during the year. They are the heaviest during the molting season and the lightest during the brooding period. They are sometime called "Stone cracker Penguins" because of their high pitched call. |
Chinstrap penguins make a round nest out of stones and pebbles. The female lays two eggs and the eggs are kept warm by both male and female. They do this by taking turns for 5 to 10 days, while the other mate is feeding. The eggs hatch after about 33 to 15 days. The chicks stay in the nest until they are 20 to 30 days old. At this time they have feathers to keep them warm. They join the crèches, which are groups of young penguins huddling together for warmth and protection. | 
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