The Macaroni Penguin is a crested species of penguin found across parts of the Subantarctic. They feed on a variety of small crustacean prey, like little fish and krill.
Macaroni Penguins are named after a fashion trend of the early 19th century. When the bird was first described for science, a flamboyant style of dress featuring bold ornamentation was known as maccaronism. The shaggy yellow crest of the Macaroni Penguin was likened to the fashion trend and the bird's common name stuck.
Although the Macaroni Penguin is considered to be Vulnerable to extinction, it is the most abundant species of penguin, with about 18 million birds in the global population.
Penguins are often associated with icy landscapes and freezing temperatures, but the idea that they only live in cold climates is a common misconception. While some penguins thrive in frigid regions like Antarctica, many species are perfectly adapted to warmer environments. Of the 18 recognized penguin species,... Read more »
🎶 Yankee Doodle went to town🎶 A-riding on a pony,🎶 Stuck a feather in his cap🎶 And called it macaroni. American fans may recognize these lyrics from the song "Yankee Doodle", a popular tune dating... Read more »
