ROYAL PENGUIN

           The Macaroni. Roval and Rock hopper Penguins, together with the king penguins, comprise the group known as the northern penguins, those penguins species who live and breed on the northern, milder islands. They prefer to be north of the limit of park ice. Royals and Macaronis will breed as far south as the South Shetland Island at 62 degrees South.

        Royals and Macaronis prefer to form colonies on hillsides and rocky cliffs on tussock-grassed island. They are small, light agile birds with a hopping gait, making climbing and rock jumping relatively easy. They will grow to about 70 centimetres in height and weight up to 4 kilograms. They posses very colourful distinctive plumes or tassels on their heads. They are yellow and provide a wonderful contrast to their black faces, heads and backs.

        Royal and Macaronis are separated species. The royal has a white chin and the Macaroni’s is black.