A striking and unique bird found primarily on Macquarie Island, a remote and rugged spot in the Southern Ocean. Like other crested penguins, it has distinctive yellow feathers on its head that form a crown-like crest, making it one of the most visually captivating penguins. Its name reflects this regal appearance. The rest of its body is a mix of white and black feathers, with a white face and chin, setting it apart from its close relatives like the macaroni penguin.

Royal penguins spend much of their lives at sea, coming to land only during the breeding season. They are incredible swimmers in the water, using their flippers to propel themselves through the ocean with grace and speed. Their diet consists mainly of krill, squid, and small fish, which they catch during deep dives. These penguins can dive to depths of over 100 meters, staying underwater for up to two minutes while hunting.

Breeding is a major event for royal penguins, and it happens almost exclusively on Macquarie Island. During the breeding season, these penguins gather in large colonies including hundreds of thousands of individuals. The noise from their calls and the sight of so many birds in one place is truly remarkable. They build simple nests made of stones, grass, and feathers, where the females lay two eggs. However, typically only one chick survives, as the first egg is smaller and often abandoned.

Royal penguins face various challenges, including predation by skuas and giant petrels, which target their eggs and chicks. Human activities, such as historical hunting for their oil, have also posed threats in the past. Fortunately, conservation efforts have helped protect their population, and Macquarie Island is now a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ensures that their breeding grounds remain undisturbed.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

2021

Non-Breeding

Australia

2021

Breeding

Falkland Islands

2021

Non-Breeding: Malvinas

South Georgia

2021

Non-Breeding