The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a bird of the penguin family, Spheniscidae, in the order Sphenisciformes.
Quick answer
The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a medium-to-large penguin with a bright orange-red bill and a white band across the top of its head. It breeds on sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, building nests of pebbles, and averages about 6 kg. Gentoos typically live around 13 years. With about 774,000 mature birds and a stable trend, it is listed as Least Concern.
Top questions about the Gentoo Penguin
Gentoo Penguin facts at a glance
- Weight 5.9 kg
- Lifespan 13 years
| Scientific name | Pygoscelis papua |
|---|---|
| Diet | Krill, fish and squid |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula coasts |
| Range | Southern Ocean, roughly 45–65° South |
| Weight | Average about 5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | On average about 13 years |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2020) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
Where it lives
The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is native to Sub-Antarctic islands of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic Peninsula, roughly 45–65° South. — recorded across Antarctica, Oceans in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
What is a group of gentoo penguins called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Gentoo Penguins is called a colony. It is also known as a rookery.
Baby name
A baby Gentoo Penguin is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Identification
Gentoos have a black back and head, a white belly, and a white patch over each eye that joins across the crown like a headband. The bill is bright orange-red and the feet are orange. They also have the longest tails of any penguin, which sweep from side to side as they walk.
Pebble nests
Pairs build round nests of pebbles, moss and grass, and neighbours often steal stones from one another. They usually lay two eggs and both parents incubate and feed the chicks, which gather in groups called crèches once they are a few weeks old.
Diving for krill
Gentoos feed close to their colonies, making many short dives a day for Antarctic krill, small fish and squid. Most chicks die in their first year, but adults that survive have an annual survival rate of about 80%.
Status
BirdLife International lists the gentoo penguin as Least Concern (2020) with about 774,000 mature birds and a stable trend. On the Antarctic Peninsula gentoos have spread south as the climate has warmed and sea ice has retreated.
Explore the Gentoo Penguin
Close relatives
- Adélie Penguin Same genus
- Emperor Penguin Same family
- Little Penguin Same family
- African Penguin Same family
Range & geography
Did you know? Gentoo Penguin facts
- Gentoos have the longest tails of any penguin.
- Once past their first year, adult gentoos survive about 80% of years.
Conservation status of the Gentoo Penguin
The gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) was most recently assessed for the IUCN Red List in 2020. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Gentoo Penguin
How do you recognise a gentoo penguin?
By its bright orange-red bill, orange feet and the white band across the top of its head from eye to eye.
Where do gentoo penguins live?
On islands of the Southern Ocean, such as the Falklands, South Georgia and Kerguelen, and on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Why do penguins steal pebbles?
Pebbles are in short supply and a raised stone nest keeps eggs out of meltwater, so gentoos (and Adélie penguins) often take stones from neighbouring nests.
How long do gentoo penguins live?
On average about 13 years.
What is a group of gentoo penguins called?
A group of Gentoo Penguins is called a colony. It is also known as a rookery.
What is a baby gentoo penguin called?
A baby Gentoo Penguin is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Gentoo Penguin:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Pygoscelis papua, most recently assessed in 2020.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Pygoscelis papua. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Pygoscelis papua. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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eBird — bird observations
Cornell Lab eBird target search for Gentoo Penguin. Check recent checklists and seasonal abundance where birders report this species.
- BirdLife International (2026). Species factsheet: Gentoo Penguin Pygoscelis papua. BirdLife DataZone. Checked 1 November 2026.
IUCN Red List category Least Concern (assessed 2020), population estimate and trend.
- Animal Diversity Web: Pygoscelis papua. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Size, lifespan and diet.
- Tobias, J. A. et al. (2022). AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds. Ecology Letters 25: 581–597. doi:10.1111/ele.13898
Average body mass.
- Gill, F., Donsker, D. & Rasmussen, P. (Eds). IOC World Bird List v15.2.
English and scientific name, classification and range.
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