Golden-haired penguin is the most attractive representative of his family

Golden-headed penguin is rightfully considered one of the most attractive representatives of his family. Its extraordinary form has long attracted the attention of researchers and naturalists, prompting them to ask the only question: "What led to such a mutation?". Alas, there is as yet no reliable answer. But long observations made it possible to find another, no less fascinating, information.

Golden-haired penguin: description of species

For the first time this bird was described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich von Brandt in 1837. Then the golden-haired and crested penguin were ranked in the same species, called Eudyptes. Later it was corrected, as other finds were made, allowing to see the whole picture.

Today the golden-haired penguin is considered a separate species. According to genetic studies, his closest relative is the royal penguin. The first mutation, dividing these birds, occurred about 1.5 million years ago. After that, both species went their own way, due to which their appearance changed a lot.

Areal

The golden-haired penguin lives practically throughout the Antarctic. His favorite place is considered to be islands, location in the subantarctic belt. The exception is the large snow-covered plains that limit access to water.

The most numerous colonies were observed on the Falkland and Orkney Islands, the South of Chile, and also on the Antarctic Peninsula. Also, scientists have reliable data that the golden-haired penguin settles in southern Australia, New Zealand, Africa and even Brazil. Although here their colonies are very primitive.

If to speak about the place of dwelling, golden-haired penguins usually settle near snow-covered or rocky coasts. In this case, the preference is given to the latter, since among them one can easily hide from natural enemies.

Appearance

The golden-haired penguin is a pretty big bird. On average, it grows to 70 cm in height, while males are slightly larger than females. Curiously, the weight of the penguin varies with the time of the year. Before the start of the mating season, the birds lose weight - at this time they weigh slightly more than 3 kg. As the chick grows older, the penguins again begin to stock up with fat. Thus, before the molting begins, they weigh about 6 kg, which is twice the initial value.

In the old days, this species was called "the crested penguin". The reason for this is a yellow crest, located just above the eye of the animal. It is he who is the calling card that distinguishes the gold-haired penguin from other representatives of this family. The bird's beak is no less bright: large, orange-brown, slightly curved downwards, like a claw.

Otherwise, the golden-haired penguin is a typical representative of a kind. Most of the body is painted black or dark blue. The abdomen and the front of the neck are white. Paws and skin under the wings are light pink, sometimes orange.

Habitat and habits

Golden-headed penguins live in large colonies. Scientists have calculated that one such "family" can unite about 1-2 million birds. Because of this, animals are forced to stray into large groups to fit on land. High density leads to the fact that the colony begins to emit an unpleasant smell of rotten fish and litter, which can be smelled long before their visual detection.

In addition, such close coexistence has led to the fact that the golden-haired penguins developed a vast language of gestures and cries. He helps them in all spheres of social relationships. For example, during mating games, the male calls to itself representatives of the opposite sex a special song. And if he sees an attractive female among them, he immediately begins to bow before her, as if performing a mysterious rite.

Ration

Penguin is a bird of prey. Unable to fly, she leads her hunt underwater. But she does it very skillfully. An adult penguin can dive to a depth of 70 meters, holding his breath under water for 2-3 minutes. Before diving birds swallow small pebbles, which significantly increase their weight, thereby fulfilling the role of some ballast.

The production of the golden-haired penguin can be small fish, squid and crustaceans. However, when it comes time to nurse the baby, they switch to plankton and small shellfish. This is due to the fact that the chicks poorly digest large meals, but because they need a special "baby" food.

Enemies of gold-haired penguins: natural and acquired

Many believe that the gold-haired penguin is listed in the Red Book. In reality, this is not the case. Such a fallacy is caused by the fact that the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the golden haired penguin as a special category "vulnerable species". This means that this species is not on the verge of extinction, but in the future it may turn out to be there.

The reason for this is the deterioration of the environment and global warming. Because of them, the amount of land suitable for nesting penguins, decreases every year. As for the natural enemies of birds, their impact on the population is minimal. Even killer whales and seals are unable to kill so many penguins that could affect their species as a whole.