Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
The largest crested penguin, with a diagnostic whitish face. Only breeds on the Australian-administered Macquarie Island; occasionally seen off of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands, rarely off of the mainland. Note bright yellow, orange, and black plumes. Easily distinguished from Macaroni Penguin by whitish face, and from Chinstrap Penguin by crests.
Identification
There was some controversy over whether royal penguins are a subspecies of macaroni penguins. Individuals of the two groups have been known to interbreed, though this is a relatively rare occurrence. Indeed, other penguins have been known to form mixed-species pairs in the wild.<p>They inhabit the waters surrounding Antarctica. Royals look very much like macaroni penguins, but have a white face and chin instead of the macaronis' black visage. They are 65–76 cm (26–30 in) long and weigh 5–6 kg (11–13 lb). Males are larger than females. Royal penguins breed only on Macquarie Island and adjacent islands. Like other penguins, they spend much of their time at sea, where they are assumed to be pelagic.
Taxonomy
Genus: Eudyptes; Family: Spheniscidae; Order: Sphenisciformes.
- Scientific name
- Eudyptes schlegeli
- Authority
- Finsch, 1876
- Order
- Sphenisciformes
- Family
- Spheniscidae
- Genus
- Eudyptes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Orange-crowned Euphonia
Euphonia saturata
Small finchlike bird, compact and short tailed with a stout bill. Male has notably orange-tinged underparts and dark upperparts with a purplish sheen. The orange-yellow crown is extensive (not restricted to the forehead like many other euphonias). Also note the underside of the tail, which is entirely dark. Females are plain yellowish-olive overall and difficult to separate from other euphonias, especially Thick-billed, but usually seen in pairs or small groups with males. Frequents woodlands, edges, and clearings in lowlands and foothills, often in fairly dry regions. Can be found in mixed-feeding flocks with other species such as warblers and tanagers.
Saipan Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus hiwae
A relatively large plain brown reed warbler with a pale throat, a yellowish face, a darker cap and tail, and an absurdly long decurved bill. Found in areas of tall dense grasses, reed marshes, and scrubby thickets up to 400 meters of elevation. Song is a slow, loud reel of whistles, warbles, harsh “chak” notes, and trills. Call is a loud, offensive “tchak.” Often sings at night.
Crested Tit
Lophophanes cristatus
A charming inhabitant of coniferous and mixed woodland, forests, and pine plantations. The only small songbird in northern Europe with a distinct crest; also note the distinctive head pattern, a mostly pale face with a blackish frame to the cheeks. Often joins mixed-species flocks in autumn and winter, feeding mainly at middle levels, even on the ground. Gives a bubbling trill, typically preceded by a high-pitched intro note or two.
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