A Penguin Tango
The mating ritual of Magellanic penguins involves a series of braying calls, dance-like moves, and some preening. The larger male will follow behind the female, patting her on both sides with his flippers as they walk. In this case, I don't believe they actually mated. It was quite late in the breeding season, so maybe the behaviour was just reinforcing their bond. Or, perhaps they lost their first batch of eggs/chicks and were trying again.
It is reported that this species is monogamous and sometimes mate for life.
It was quite bright when I took this image, so it is a bit more contrasty and 'crunchy' than I like, but it shows the dancing quite well.
A Penguin Tango
The mating ritual of Magellanic penguins involves a series of braying calls, dance-like moves, and some preening. The larger male will follow behind the female, patting her on both sides with his flippers as they walk. In this case, I don't believe they actually mated. It was quite late in the breeding season, so maybe the behaviour was just reinforcing their bond. Or, perhaps they lost their first batch of eggs/chicks and were trying again.
It is reported that this species is monogamous and sometimes mate for life.
It was quite bright when I took this image, so it is a bit more contrasty and 'crunchy' than I like, but it shows the dancing quite well.