Penguin Watch Talk

Adults vs Chicks Molting

  • nthrockmorton by nthrockmorton

    "Is there another word for the chicks to molt?" (by Annika, 3yr)
    We have talked about chicks losing their fluff before they go out to sea for the first time and have called it molting. But this looks like adults molting. She asked if it is called the same for chicks and for adults.

    Posted

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

    Dear Anika,

    At the stage between chicks and adults is called fledgling period. It typically starts when a penguin chick molts and replaces some of his downy baby fluff with adult feathers that offer protection from cold water. In some penguins, this is as early as 4 weeks old; in others, it's closer to 5 months. [source - not a science page]

    I'm in a hurry now. Will come to this topic later 😃

    Happy counting!
    Zuzi

    Posted