Partial Melanism In King Penguins Aptenodytes Patagonicus

Although uncommon, abnormal colouration is not unknown in penguins. Full or partial leucism (absence of pigmentation in the plumage) has been documented for at least seven species (Falla 1937, vanWyk 1995, Valencia et al. 1997). Melanism, or abnormally dark plumage, is caused by an increase in the amount of eumelanin present in the feathers and has been reported in Adelie Pygoscelis adeliae and Royal Eudyptes schlegeli Penguins (Falla 1937). It has also been observed in Gentoo P. papua, Macaroni E. chrysolophus and Chinstrap P. antarctica Penguins (Valencia et al. 1997, O.A.W. Huyser in litt., D.A. Croll in litt.).