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The habitat and lifestyle of a small penguin is slightly different from other species. He does not wander in the ice of Antarctica, bravely confronting the terrible elements, but lives comfortably on the southern coast of Australia, the Philippines, and Chile. Outwardly, the smallest penguin resembles a charming plush toy. But he has completely unguy anxieties about the coming day, the choice of a couple and the raising of offspring.
The big worries of a small penguin
Among the prudish fellows with power movements and plumage resembling a black tail coat, this species does have a slightly frivolous appearance. A bright blue back contrasts with a white throat and underbelly, the feathers are tight to the body, glistening with fatty grease. It does not allow feathers to get wet during food extraction, it maintains the temperature balance of the bird’s body.Glossy paws - flippers with sharp claws and a blue or gray beak complete the picture. Wings look more like fins; on land, penguins are clumsy, walking and running around. But in the water column they are transformed, gliding gracefully, turning sharply and always returning with their prey. The height of an adult bird is 30 cm with a weight of 1 - 1.5 kg. Looking at this rather miniature bird, the thought will never arise that it is the penguin population that produces a constant roar, hubbub and sharp cries. They, as traders with experience, can not shut up, commenting on the slightest movement of neighbors, sharing impressions and protecting the territory. Noise reaches its climax during the period of courtship.
Family chores
Small penguins are taken a couple of times and for life. After feeding the chicks, they diverge in different directions, but in the mating season they meet again, noisily telling how they have missed the past tense. The process of courtship is very beautiful. The male becomes straight, raises its wings upwards, diligently stretches the neck and begins to sing its serenade for the chosen one.And it does not matter that the song is more like a roar and a howl at the same time, the female simply melts away from such attention, expressing her favor to the diligent singer. Often, the males bring stones, showing their thrift, build nests, trying to attract the female.
The most crucial moment in the life of chicks is the first molt. Not all individuals will be able to survive this difficult stage.Preparation becomes the process of feeding the young when adults lead them into the sea for 2 - 3 weeks. The field of how young people gain weight in the range of 1 kg, they return to the shore. For several weeks, penguins stand motionless, trying not to make sudden movements and not to waste precious energy. At the same time, the birds do not eat anything and lose up to half the body weight at the end of the molt. Those who do not have enough subcutaneous fat reserves, may die.
Male penguins feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans, squid.
Interesting moments in the life of small penguins
- Scientists study them in order to understand the process of accumulation and preservation of vital energy during accelerated metabolism.
- In Australia, tourists tend to get to the parade of penguins, when entering them from the sea.
- Little penguins get food and socialize at night.
Small, but brave, small penguins live 6 - 7 years, sometimes life time in captivity reaches 25. They are not afraid of people, trustingly passing from the sea at sunset to their nests under the eyes of admired tourists.
Video: 10 facts about penguins
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