Results 1 to 3 of 3

Thread: Gentoo Penguin

  1. #1
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Bedford, MA
    Posts
    1,603
    Threads
    302
    Thank You Posts

    Default Gentoo Penguin

    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    I was fascinated by the spiky structures on the tongue and mouth of this gentoo penguin and thought others might find it interesting. I googled around a bit and, apparently, this type of thing is fairly common among seabirds, e.g. puffins and razorbills, as it allows them to better hold onto fish they have caught while they try to catch more. Any additional information or insight from any of the experts out there would be greatly appreciated!

    EOS-1D X, 500mm f/4L IS, 1/1000, f/8, ISO 400
    Very large crop ... about 12% of full frame

  2. #2
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    central NY
    Posts
    2,414
    Threads
    222
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    So cool to be able to see this, Mike, thanks for posting. Amazing sharpness and detail at that huge crop!!!

  3. #3
    Forum Participant
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    6,588
    Threads
    643
    Thank You Posts

    Default

    Indeed it is Mike. Many seabirds have these projections. They work well with small prey like krill, which Gentoos eat a lot of. The projections act like a one-way system for the food. As the bird takes one or more krill in a gulp it may go for more before the others have been completely swallowed. The projections lower the chances of losing food items that haven't made it down yet.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Web Analytics