Body
The Gentoo penguin, notable for its distinct appearance featuring a broad white stripe stretching like a bonnet across its head and its vibrant orange-red bill, is one of the larger penguin species. Adult Gentoos typically measure between 70 to 90 cm in length and weigh around 4.9 to 8.5 kg, depending on the sex and the time of year. They boast pale whitish-pink webbed feet and possess a relatively long tail, which is more prominent than those of other penguin species. This tail often sweeps from side to side as they walk, a characteristic which aligns with their genus name, Pygoscelis, meaning "rump-tailed." Chicks display a coloration pattern of grey backs and white fronts. Gentoos are excellent swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 36 km/h, making them the fastest underwater swimmers among penguins. This agility aids them in thriving in their harsh, cold environments across various subantarctic regions.