Penguin of the Day - Magellanic

Penguin of the Day - Magellanic - Images by Jonathan Chester

The Magallenic Penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus was first identified by Forster, James Cook’s naturalist, in 1781. The specific name “magellanicus” was given to honour Ferdinand Magellan, whose’ expedition in 1519 was the earliest to record this species.

Magellanics are easily distinguished from the other ringed penguins by a double black band across their chest, rather than a single band as in the other ringed species. With a length of 70 centimetres (27 1/2inches) and weighing 4 kilograms (9 pounds), this medium sized penguin is the largest of the Spheniscus genus Magallenic Penguins, are found on the southern portion of South America and the Falkland Islands.

The Falkland’s local name for them is the "Jackass" which is derived from its loud mournful braying call frequently uttered at the entrance to the burrow.

(from The Nature of Penguins. Jonathan Chester)