QUESTION:
Are Adelie penguins one of the shortest penguins? 
Which penguin is your favorite?


                Michael D.
                Grade 5
                Holy Cross Elementary School
                Garret Park, Maryland


ANSWER from Steven Downey, Doctoral Student
            University of Illinois 
            Sat, 15 Mar 1997 13:30:44 -0500


Dear Michael,

They are one of the shortest, but not the shortest penguin found in the
Antarctic.  Adelies, Chinstraps, and Gentoos all stand about 25-27 inches
high.  Rockhopper penguins, however, are only 18-21 inches on average,
making them the smallest in the Antarctic.  As to the smallest in the
world, that claim goes to the Fairy penguin of southern Australia/New
Zealand.  It stands only 16 inches high.

Of those I've met, I'm partial to Chinstrap penguins.  They're very curious
and friendly little creatures.  When I've been at one of their colonies,
there always are some that waddle up to you to give you the once-over.
When they're done, they waddle off giving you the go-ahead to do what
you're there for.


Thanks for your questions.
Steven D.