© 2007 Beverly (Bev) Abbott ...Science Art-Birds

Title: Chinstrap Nesting Grounds
Species: Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarctia)
Artist: Beverly (Bev) Abbott (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 16" X 20"
Media: oil
Date: 2007
Artist's private collection


The artist notes: "The Chinstrap Penguin is the second most abundant Antartic/subAntartic penguin. It is concentrated in vast colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula and southern islands. Its diet consists primarily of krill (Euphasia superba), but also includes some crustaceans and fish foraged along the pack ice. For their nesting site, the pair prefer a lofty area that will be the first to become snow free, giving the maximum time to rear the chicks. The female lays two eggs in a nest of small pebbles gathered together.  Unlike other penguin species that produce two young at a time, Chinstrap parents treat both chicks equally, rather than favoring the stronger one. This painting illustrates the preferred terrain for nesting, how the nests are constructed with eggs inside, and the close proximity of the pairs.”

Altitude and distance from the ocean pose problems. One would think that long uphill trips would put hilltop nesters at a disadvantage. But the high places are often clear of snow and permit earlier nesting.

Interestingly, a study in 2004 on Deception Island found that large colonies had earlier hatching dates, lower chick mortality, and overall higher success than small subcolonies.  The researchers also found that peripheral nests in large colonies were as successful as central nests.