Adelie penguins breed and raise their young farther south than any other
penguin, on the continent of Antarctica. In September and October
(springtime
in that part of the world) thousands of Adelies gather on the rocky
Antarctic
shoreline. The huge gatherings are called colonies. This is where the
Adelies
breed and raise their young. Adelie penguins build nests by scooping
out
areas in the ground. Then they line the depression with small stones.
The
female usually lays two eggs in the nest. The stones in the nest help
keep the
eggs dry and warm by keeping them off the bare ground.
Both parents care for the eggs. While one stays behind keeping the eggs warm
and safe from predators, the other parent heads out to sea to eat. They feast
mainly on krill, tiny shrimplike animals, but also eat fish and squid.
