Creche
Definition
A creche is a group of penguin chicks that huddle together for warmth and protection while both parents are away foraging at sea. Creches can number from a handful to thousands of chicks and are supervised loosely by a few non-breeding adults. The formation allows parents to both forage simultaneously, dramatically increasing the food delivered to the growing chick. Emperor, king, and Adelie penguin chicks all form creches. Despite the crowding, returning parents locate their own chick by recognising its unique call.
Related Terms
A fledgling is a young penguin that has replaced its downy chick plumage with waterproof juvenile feathers and is ready to leave the colony for the sea.
A penguin colony (also called a rookery) is a breeding aggregation that can range from a few dozen pairs to over a million individuals.
Down feathers form a dense, insulating underlayer beneath the outer contour feathers of a penguin.
Related Species
Species where creche is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does creche mean in penguin biology?
A creche is a group of penguin chicks that huddle together for warmth and protection while both parents are away foraging at sea. Creches can number from a handful to thousands of chicks and are supervised loosely by a few non-breeding adults. The formation allows parents to both forage simultaneously, dramatically increasing the food delivered to the growing chick. Emperor, king, and Adelie penguin chicks all form creches. Despite the crowding, returning parents locate their own chick by recognising its unique call.