QUESTION:
Is there a certain place penguins have to breed in?

        From Karen H., Fifth grader, Ms. Landmann's Class
        Rio del Mar Elementary
        Aptos, CA


NSWER from Donna Patterson, Research Assistant, Bill Fraser's Team
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Thu, 20 Feb 1997 15:42:54 -0500

Hello Karen,

Yes, there are certain places where penguins breed.  Most 
species of penguins breed in colonies, except for two species that 
are not found in this area (Yellow-eyed and Fiordland).  Penguin 
colonies vary in size and density- some only number a few pairs and 
the nests are very spread out, others are quite dense and numerous, 
like the larger Chinstrap penguin colonies on Deception Island.  
Emperor penguins commonly nest on the sea ice, and their colonies are 
both mobile (since the egg or small chick is held on the parent's 
feet) and densely packed to conserve heat.   Around Palmer Station, 
we have Gentoo, Adelie, and Chinstrap penguins nesting.  All three of 
these species will defend a territory within a colony, and there are 
even colonies where different species will nest side by side.  

The location of penguin colonies around Palmer Station must be in 
areas that are snow-free during the breeding season.  They need a 
good supply of small rocks in order to build the nests and beaches 
that are suitable for landing after foraging trips.  Colonies must 
be located in areas where there are dependable food resources as the 
birds need to forage within about 60-80 kms of their nest sites.  

Thanks for your question!

Donna