Penguins are flightless seabirds, instantly recognizable by their upright stance and striking black-and-white plumage. They primarily inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, thriving in environments ranging from the icy coasts of Antarctica to the temperate shores of the Galapagos Islands. The curiosity surrounding these birds often extends to the specific terminology used to describe them.
Terminology for Male Penguins
The most straightforward and widely accepted term for a male penguin is simply “male penguin.” However, in zoological settings and husbandry, a more specific, traditional term is often used: “cock.” This naming convention is standard practice applied across many different bird species. The term “cock” originates from the naming of male fowl, such as chickens, and serves as a clear identifier when discussing the gender dynamics within a colony.
Names for Female Penguins and Chicks
Following traditional avian terminology, an adult female penguin is known as a “hen.” This designation simplifies communication about the breeding pair and their respective roles in the colony. The young of a penguin pair are most often called “chicks.” They may also be referred to as a “nestling” when entirely dependent on the parents and confined to the nesting area. Young chicks will later gather in large protective groups known as a crèche once adults forage for food.
Distinct Roles of Males in Penguin Colonies
While the name for a male penguin is simple, the biological role he plays in the survival of his offspring is significant. In species like the Emperor penguin, the male takes on the entire incubation duty during the Antarctic winter. After the female lays a single egg, she transfers it to the male and departs for the sea to feed, replenishing her fat reserves.
The male balances the egg on his feet, covering it with a specialized fold of skin called a brood patch, for approximately 65 to 75 days. During this period, the male fasts completely, enduring temperatures that can drop to -40 degrees Celsius and winds up to 90 miles per hour. To survive the prolonged fast, which can last up to 120 days, males huddle together in dense groups to conserve body heat.
If the chick hatches before the female returns, the male can sustain it by secreting a nutrient-rich substance known as crop milk, a remarkable adaptation for survival. In other penguin species, such as the Adélie or King penguin, males are also responsible for aggressively defending the nesting territory and sharing incubation shifts with the female.