The Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) is about 45 cm (18 in) tall and weighs 3 to 5 kg. You can tell it by the two black bands across its chest. It spends spring and summer on the Patagonian coast to breed and the rest of the year at sea, migrating north as far as southern Brazil.
- Pairs usually return to the same nest year after year.
- They lay two eggs; both parents take turns incubating and feeding.
- They feed on anchovy, squid and juvenile hake, and can swim dozens of kilometers a day to fish.
- Where to see them near Puerto Madryn: Punta Tombo and Caleta Valdés (Valdes Peninsula), September to April.
Local tip: on the Punta Tombo boardwalks penguins have right of way: if one crosses, wait. Keep at least 1 meter away.
Visit the colony
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