QUESTION:  
How do penguins behave when humans come too close
to their territory?

        Tiffany B., 8th Grader, Juan Morel Campos Intermediate 71,
        Brooklyn, NY

ANSWER from Robin Ross, Member of Carol Vleck's Adelie 
        Penguin Research Team 


Adelie penguins are very territorial birds.  In fact, 
a penguin may come back to the same site year after year to breed.  
They are very protective of their little nests built out of carefully 
gathered stones.  The Adelies use a number of displays to let an 
intruding bird (or human) know that it is too close to its nest.  
The first form of display is usually the Erect Crest, in which the 
feathers on the back of the penguin's neck are raised (sort of like 
the fur on a cat's back when it is scared).  This display can be 
combined with a number of "stares" that warn the intruder that it is 
too close.  An Adelie can use a sideways stare (staring with one 
eye), an alternate stare (slowly moving its head back and forth to 
stare at the intruder with both eyes, but one at a time), and the 
direct stare.  The birds may also be making low growling noises when 
they are performing these stares.  If these displays do not warn the 
intruder off, the bird may gape or peck at the intruder.  A bird will 
usually only attack another bird (or a human) if it is directly 
invading its nest site.  For instance, if a male Adelie returns to 
the breeding site and finds another male occupying its former 
territory, a "fight" may ensue.  The Adelies also use these defensive 
displays and behaviours to fend off the skuas (a hawk-like sea bird 
that preys on the eggs and chicks of the Adelies).