Adelie penguin uses pebbles and other small rocks to make their nests. During courtship, the male will present the female with a pebble as a gift. If the female accepts the generous gift, they bond and mate for life. These pebbles hold considerable value and they are also symbols of affection toward a mate. Why do female penguins collect pebbles ?
Do penguins mate for life with rocks?
A social media factoid about penguin courtship and the “perfect pebble” does not quite reflect the birds’ actual mating habits. A male penguin searches an entire beach for the “perfect pebble” to lay at the feet of his chosen female penguin. Male penguins of many species gift their mates with rocks.
Why do Penguins steal stones from other penguins?
If the male cannot find the perfect rock on his own, he may steal a pebble from a neighbor’s nest, which can cause some ruffled feathers between other males of its kind. Female Gentoo penguins make their nests out of stones to keep their eggs above the surface in case of flooding.
Some, but not all, penguin species collect rocks for their nests. Of those that do, the purpose of the rock collecting is to build an elevated nest so the eggs and/or chicks won’t get wet or drown when it rains or when the snows melt.
, de Napoli explained that stones can play a role in the mating rites of penguins, but typically penguins aren’t partial about what types of pebbles end up in their collections: Some, but not all, penguin species collect rocks for their nests.
When a penguin has selected his pebble, he presents it to his intended companion. If she approves, she puts the stone in her nest and the two are well on their way to becoming mommy and daddy birds. Pebbles are so important to the penguins that males often fight over the prettiest selections.
What do gentoo penguins give each other?
Penguins give rocks. Not just any rocks, though — male gentoo penguins search through piles of pebbles to find the smoothest, most perfect ones. When a penguin has selected his pebble, he presents it to his intended companion. If she approves, she puts the stone in her nest and the two are well on their way to becoming mommy and daddy birds.