Gentoo Penguins

Gentoo penguins are easy to spot because of their bright orange beaks and white head patches. They are the third-largest penguin species. Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimming penguins in the world. They live on islands near Antarctica and on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Speed Swimmers

Gentoo penguins can swim up to 22 miles per hour, faster than any other penguin. They use their stiff tail feathers as a rudder to steer. Gentoos dive for fish, krill, and squid. They can make up to 450 dives in a single day looking for food.

Pebble Nests

Gentoo penguins build nests from pebbles on the ground. Males search for the best pebbles and give them to females as gifts. If a penguin steals a pebble from another nest, a noisy argument follows. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm.

Fun Facts

• Gentoo penguins can swim up to 22 miles per hour.
• Males give females pebbles as gifts during courtship.
• Gentoo penguins can make up to 450 dives per day.

Did You Know?

Nobody knows for sure where the name 'gentoo' comes from! One theory is that it comes from a Portuguese word meaning 'gentle.'