Nest Building
Definition
Many penguin species build nests from pebbles, sticks, grass, or other available materials to elevate eggs above cold or wet ground. Adelie and gentoo penguins are avid pebble collectors, and males often present pebbles to females as part of courtship. Nest theft is common in crowded colonies, leading to frequent disputes between neighbours. Emperor and king penguins are notable exceptions: they incubate their single egg on their feet under a brood pouch, building no nest at all.
Related Terms
A brood pouch is a fold of feathered skin on a penguin's lower abdomen that covers and insulates the egg during incubation.
The ecstatic display is a loud, ritualised courtship behaviour in which a penguin stretches its neck upward, spreads its flippers, and produces a series of braying or trumpeting calls.
A penguin colony (also called a rookery) is a breeding aggregation that can range from a few dozen pairs to over a million individuals.
Related Species
Species where nest building is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does nest building mean in penguin biology?
Many penguin species build nests from pebbles, sticks, grass, or other available materials to elevate eggs above cold or wet ground. Adelie and gentoo penguins are avid pebble collectors, and males often present pebbles to females as part of courtship. Nest theft is common in crowded colonies, leading to frequent disputes between neighbours. Emperor and king penguins are notable exceptions: they incubate their single egg on their feet under a brood pouch, building no nest at all.