This unusual gentoo penguin has exceptionally dark plumage
Rocio Nigro, Anahi M. Silvestro, Mariana Juares and Pamela Di Marco
A gentoo penguin with unusually dark plumage has been spotted in Antarctica. The bird is only the second gentoo penguin ever to be documented with melanism, a condition that causes the overproduction of dark pigments in birds’ skin and feathers.
Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), which live on the rocky islands surrounding Antarctica, typically have pale bellies and darker backs that camouflage them against predators while swimming. But in December 2022, researchers studying the species found and photographed an adult bird with strikingly darker plumage than usual.
Insights:
The sighting of a black gentoo penguin in Antarctica is an unprecedented event. Melanism in gentoo penguins, characterized by dark plumage due to overproduction of pigments, is extremely rare. This discovery adds to our understanding of the genetic diversity within the gentoo penguin population.
The typical coloration of gentoo penguins, with pale bellies and darker backs, serves as a camouflage mechanism against predators while swimming. The black gentoo penguin stands out from its counterparts due to its unique and striking appearance.
Researchers studying the species were able to photograph the adult black gentoo penguin, providing valuable visual documentation of this uncommon occurrence. Further research may shed light on the underlying genetic factors that contribute to melanism in gentoo penguins.
This finding underscores the importance of continued observation and research in remote and isolated environments like Antarctica, as they can provide insight into rare and novel biological phenomena.
