Penguin Watch Talk

Fluffy adults?

  • Angelia by Angelia

    Not sure whether to classify the black and white penguins that still look to have downy, baby fluff as adults or chicks. Any guidance for future pictures like this please?

    Posted

  • yshish by yshish moderator, translator in response to Angelia's comment.

    Hi @Angelia

    It is a very good question! It has been replied in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) already. The key features for recognizing juveniles from adults are included there too.

    In short, as long as the have some juvenile features - white throat/chin is the easiest one for Adelies (penguins in this picture), mark them as chick. If they have all the adult features (even when moulting*), or when you can't see the penguin properly to be sure, mark them as adults.

    *Adult and juveniles moult at about the same time, so marking a moulting penguin as an adult is the safer choice.

    So when you can't tell, mark it as an adult.

    Hope it is clearer now 😃

    Zuzi

    Posted