The incubation period is about 36 days. The first egg laid is larger than the second one and usually hatches first. Egg weight varies with age of breeding and nest location. Young first time breeders lay smaller eggs and have lower breeding success compared to older experienced birds. The breeding season is from spring to autumn.
Sexual maturity is attained at the age of six years.
Pygoscelis papua are the least abundant of penguin species with a total breeding population of approximately 314,000 pairs. Behavior Throughout the year adults can be found on breeding islands indicating that they are relatively sedentary. They exhibit a strong diurnal pattern in their diving behaviour. Deep diving begins near sunrise and finishes at sunset. Diving at night is less common and is often shallow.