Penguins, whether waddling or tobogganing across the ice, capture the imagination. These flightless birds possess a unique charm, and their youngest members are especially captivating. Understanding the terminology used to describe these young ones helps follow their journey from the nest to the sea.
The Primary Terminology
The most common term for a baby penguin is a “chick.” Newly hatched penguins may also be accurately referred to as “hatchlings” or “nestlings.” These terms describe the very early days of life when the bird is newly emerged from the egg and is entirely dependent on its parents for warmth and food.
The term “chick” remains the primary identifier throughout the period of parental dependency and rapid growth. As they grow, many species of penguin chicks gather in large groups known as a “crèche.” This huddling behavior helps the young birds conserve warmth and offers protection from predators while parents are away foraging for food.
The Distinctive Appearance of a Chick
Penguin chicks possess a characteristic coat of thick, fluffy down feathers that distinguishes them from adults. This natal down, which can be white, gray, or brown depending on the species, serves as an effective insulator. For example, Emperor chicks are covered in silver-grey down, while King penguin chicks have a dense coat of dark brown down.
Despite being warm, this downy plumage is not waterproof. Because their feathers cannot repel water, the young birds must remain on land and rely completely on their parents for food and protection. Parents feed their chicks with regurgitated food, often leading to a substantial increase in the chick’s weight in a short period.
When Does a Penguin Stop Being a Chick?
A penguin stops being a chick when it undergoes a complete molt, shedding its downy feathers to grow its first set of waterproof juvenile plumage. This milestone is known as fledging, the point at which the bird is able to leave the colony and forage at sea independently. The time it takes to fledge varies widely, from seven to nine weeks for smaller species like Adélie penguins, to several months for larger ones.
Once the chick has fledged, it is referred to as a “fledgling” or “juvenile.” The juvenile plumage is typically duller in color and lacks the distinct markings of a mature adult. The young penguin will spend months at sea learning to hunt and survive without parental assistance.