Featured Image Credit: Jan Veenstra via Flickr
By Natalie Helbling
Not only do male Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins have to worry about their own looks to get the girl, they have to have a “pimped out crib” as well. Maybe females don’t necessarily choice their mate based on the appearance of the male, however they do decide based on the nesting location and size.
These particular species of penguins gather sticks and debris, and start building a nest on a very nice looking rock, hoping to catch the eye of a female. As the males work on these nests for a few weeks, the females then choice the lucky male they want to mate with.
At the Shedd aquarium, they allow the penguins to continue this ritual by scattering varying twigs and debris for the males. This happens in the early spring time so the males have plenty of time to complete their nest. Once done, females will decide and mating will occur. Eggs are expected in late April and early May. Only a few lucky visitors will be able to see the eggs as the penguins rarely get off their nests in fear of the temperature dropping.
The Shedd aquarium is very successful with assisting these amazing birds in their breeding rituals, and they are excited to welcome new penguins to the family this spring!!