Chinstrap Penguin

There are many species of penguin in the southern hemisphere. They all have special characteristics, but they have in common the tuxedo-like black on the back and white on the belly. Virtually all sea birds, including loons and murres, have this same pattern. An enemy from below, such as a leopard seal, cannot readily see a white belly against the reflecting surface of the sea, and a predator from above would not easily see the protective camouflage of the black back.

The heads of all penguins, however, have the particular badge of the species. The name "chinstrap" has an obvious origin. This penguin has its own particular facial expression and almost oriental-looking eyes.

This painting is simply a portrait of one of these little fellows standing beside the typical lichen-encrusted rock of the Antarctic Peninsula.