As the name implies, chinstrap penguins have a thin black line that encircles their chin and cheeks. This marking also gives the chinstrap penguins other common names such as the ringed penguin or bearded penguin.

With males being larger than females, these penguins can grow 26-30 inches long and weigh 6.5-12 pounds. Their black backs and white bellies allow affective camouflage as they look disguised from above and below.

Even though their legs are strong, they are also short and stumpy giving them an exaggerated waddle. This is why you will commonly see them sliding around on their bellies while kicking their feet, which is referred to as tobogganing.

The chinstrap penguin is a small penguin species found throughout the rocky shores of a variety of islands in the Antarctic Ocean and Southern Pacific. They have been known to gather in the millions on small Antarctic islands.

Chinstrap penguins are carnivorous and survive on a diet of small sea critters such as krill, crabs, fish, and more. Every day, these penguins swim up to 50 miles offshore to find food, usually sticking closer to the coastline than open sea. Chinstrap penguins are fast swimmers going up to 20 miles per hour and diving about 200 feet for food. Their tightly packed feathers and thick blubber allows them to stay warm while navigating the waters.

Chinstrap penguins will meet late in the year to mate on the rocky Antarctic islands. In November or December, the couples will build nests from stones and lay two eggs which will be incubated by both parents. The eggs hatch after about a month giving way to small chicks with fluffy grey backs and white fronts. Once another month passes, the chicks will be able to join the other offspring born that season.

Due to their overwhelming number, chinstrap penguins have few natural predators besides the occasional leopard seal or killer whale.

Besides the common names referring to their appearance, chinstrap penguins are also called stonecracker penguins because their calls are so loud and shrill.