Body
The Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is characterized by a distinctive black and white coloring typical of many penguin species, with a notable white eye ring around a black iris. Adults measure between 70-73 cm in length and weigh 3.8 to 8.2 kg. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females typically have shorter wings and beaks and are lighter. The bird's beak is mostly covered by feathers, revealing just the tip, and its legs and feet are mostly pinkish and unfeathered. Adélie penguin chicks are born with a silvery-grey down that darkens on the head. They undergo several moults before their juvenile plumage develops, which resembles adult plumage but is generally smaller and has a bluer tinge to the upperparts and white chins and throats. Adult plumage includes a black head, throat, and upper parts, with snowy white underparts and distinctive tail feathers that help in support and sweeping the ground as they walk.