A chinstrap penguin dozes on Antarctic beach. A new study in Science found that these little penguins sleep as much as 11 hours a day, most of it in tiny increments of just 4 seconds at a time. This helps them stay vigilant for predators while still getting 40 winks.
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Incredibly, these micronaps still allow the penguins to reach deep, restful sleep. What is their secret?
The penguins have to contend with days of constant sunlight or complete darkness. So being able to sleep in adverse conditions probably helps. And researchers aren't sure if the little penguins would get more rest in a less distracting environment. Nesting colonies are loud, crowded places where murderous skuas constantly prowl for baby penguins and eggs. This elephant seal pup tried to play with this napping skua.
Chinstraps are one of five types of penguins that live on Antarctica. Several other species live in the waters around the continent.
Chinstraps are the most common penguin found in Antarctica, but I saw the fewest chinstraps among the seven types of penguins I photographed. This one was a cooperative subject on a snowy day on the Antarctic peninsula.
This little charmer seemed pretty rested to me. She was hanging out alone with a group of Adelie penguins.
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