The Magellanic penguin is a South American penguin that breeds in coastal Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, with some migrating to Brazil. These “Elegant Gentlemen” have a black and white plumage, stand approximately 1.5-2 ft tall, weigh between 9 and 10 lbs, and retain their mates and their nests for life. These penguins eat different kinds of fish like sardines, anchovies, and various crustaceans.
Finding Magellanic Penguins in Argentina
Magellanic Penguins – Courtesy of Washington.edu
If you are penguin obsessed or fascinated with these fantastic birds and want to see them in their natural habitat, the absolutely best place to visit is the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve in Southern Argentina.
Map of Punta Tombo and its Location in Argentina
Punta Tombo is a peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean, 68 miles south of Trelew in Chubut Province, Argentina. This famous reserve is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Magellanic penguins. Each year, over a million and a half of these penguins journey here around late September to breed. Then, they sit on their eggs, to raise their chicks, and to prepare for migration. They stay at the Reserve till mid-March or April. As a result, hundreds and hundreds of chicks are birthed here each year, typically after November. The chicks become adults at approx 90 days old.
Normally, these black and white cuties spend nesting time in both bushes and burrows at Punta Tombo Reserve but then gather in Brazil for the rest of the year. One of the greatest highlights of the Punta Tombo Reserve is that you can see both the parent penguins and their adorable chicks up close, and walk (or waddle) alongside them. But be careful, the Magellanic penguins dig holes in the earth for their nests so watch where you walk!
So, if you’re indeed a penguin lover, be sure to journey here yourself or with your family. Punta Tombo is easily accessible and you’ll never forget this amazing and colossal penguin adventure.
A Waddle or Colony of Penguins at Punta Tombo – Courtesy of UnicoTrip.com
Read more about “How To Prepare For Your Trip To Argentina” here.
