Penguin Fight

December 28, 2008

Adelie Penguins are generally pretty friendly. One of my latest favorite quotes puts it nicely: “It’s practically impossible to look at a penguin and feel angry”. Sometimes, though, even a penguin feels the need to assert his place physically. Trespass on his territory, and he might get downright violent. Their typical defense is a barrage of pecks and flipper-bashes. Just this afternoon I got beat on hard enough to bruise my legs through three layers of long underwear. Good thing penguins are short and flightless; they can only reach my calves!

When penguins turn on each other, it’s generally a battle for territory. And, usually, one backs down before things escalate too much. But sometimes they just go toe-to-toe like heavyweight boxers. I watched a particularly bloody duel today which left both opponents stumbling off in opposite directions while a crowd of onlookers cheered and jeered. I hope they worked things out, at least.

Penguin Fight

Rose-breasted Penguins

The Loser Nurses His Wounds (And A Bruised Ego)