METCHEVA, R., BEZRUKOV, V., TEODOROVA S. & YANKOV, Y. 2008. “Yellow spot” – A new trait of Gentoo Penguins Pygoscelis papua in Antarctica. Marine Ornithology 36: 47-51.

 

This article is a preliminary report regarding a new trait, a spot-like coloration of the bill, observed on the upper mandible of Gentoo Penguins (subspecies Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi) which we have called “yellow spot”. Three breeding colonies were investigated at three locations on the Antarctic Peninsula – Livingston Island, South Shetlands (62°38¢ S), Wiencke Island (64^o52¢ S) and Petermann Island (65°10¢ S). The trait was found with different frequencies at these three locations: 20%, 51%, and 30%, respectively. The spot varied in diameter from 1 – 2 mm to 20 – 25 mm and colour (from white to red, with yellow, orange and pink intermediate forms). The spot was recorded among chicks over two months old and among adult birds (normal and moulting) of both sexes. Some potential reasons for the presence of the beak spot are outlined.

 

Key words: Antarctic Peninsula, Beak spot, Gentoo Penguin, Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi