Adelie penguin rookery on the Antarctic Peninsula

Just a Boy and a Girl...

During the mating season penguins head for special nesting areas on the shore.  The area where penguins mate, nest and raise their chicks is called a "rookery".

When penguins are ready to mate, the male stands with his back arched and wings stretched.  He makes a loud call and struts about to attract a female.

When the penguins find a mate, they bond with each other by touching necks and slapping each other on the back with their flippers.  They also "sing" to each other so they learn to recognize each other's voices.

Once a penguin finds a mate, they usually stay together for years -- for as long as they have chicks.

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