South Sea penguin

South Sea penguin Scientific Name: Eudyptes Microme Nicknames: South Sea Flapper, Surf Skipper

Physical Description Body Type: Flightless bird Maximum Size: 50cm Colouration: Black and white Biological Information Diet: Carnivorous Habitat: Southern icecap Discovery Date: 1173 AN Locale:  South Sea Islands Related Species: None Threat: Vulnerable

The South Sea Penguin is a small, semi aquatic, flightless bird native to the southern icecap of Micras. While the species has traditionally enjoyed a stable population, recent habitat degradation has give rise to the South Sea Penguin Conservation Project in 1693 AN with the intention of stabilising and increasing the population of the birds.

The South Sea Penguin is distinctive in appearance, with an average height of 45cm and clear, well-defined black and white plumage, and a dark pink or red beak. The males of the species develop a yellow crest during adolescence, which is used during the species' mating dance, during which the male moves moves its head in a figure eight while initiating a shoulder shimmy and elaborate tap dance.

Behaviours

Range: pink.
Breeding colonies: purple.

Adult South Sea Penguins spend much of their lives in the cold waters of the South Sea, hunting small fish and squid. It is unknown how long the penguins can remain submerged for, but anecdotal evidence suggests it could be for around 20 minutes, during which time the bird can dive to a depth of up to 500 metres.

When not feeding, the penguins can most often be found resting on the ice shelves of the southern icecap, or atop vast drifting icebergs. The only known populations of the birds near human settlements are on the South Sea Islands, with Trinity Island hosting one of the largest colonies on Micras.

South Sea Penguins pair and mate for life, with each couple producing three eggs per season. While it is rare for all three hatchlings to reach maturity, both genders of penguin contribute to the incubation of eggs and the feeding of young. The nests of the penguins are often observed to be elaborately decorated with sea shells and other debris, though it is now known whether this serves any practical purpose.

The penguins have a well developed system of calls and cries, and are believed to sing recreationally, particularly when nursing young chicks.

Popular Culture

The South Sea Penguin is the national bird of the South Sea Islands, where penguin colonies have become tourist attractions over time. This has given rise to a variety of penguin-themed merchandise, as well as the popular children's TV series Chardonnay the Penguiness.