Gentoo penguins have black heads and distinct triangular white patches above each eye usually extending over the head. They weigh between 5 and 6.2 kg. They stand from 51 to 71 cm tall and have a relatively long tail.
Juveniles have smaller, less distinct white patches and sometimes a grey throat.
Males and females are similar in size and appearance. Two subspecies have been recognized, Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi and Pygoscelis papua papua . P.p.papua are smaller in size, with longer feathers and a shorter bill. Food Habits Gentoo Penguins take both small plankton and large prey, especially squid and fish. Dominant prey taxa are fish of the genus Gymnoseopelus and Paranotothenia magellanica .