Black-faced penguin (Liera)

The black-faced penguin (Pygoscelis nigeracephala) is a species of penguin of the genus Pygoscelis, most closely related to the earthly gentoo penguin, Adélie penguin, and chinstrap penguin, that is native throughout the alpine and tundra coastlines of northwestern and mid-western Novolaurasia on Liera. The black-faced penguin is descended from an extinct species of Pygoscelis penguin, possibly the Pliocene species Pygoscelis tyreei, that was harvested from Earth to Liera, having found a widespread success on the planet.

The black-faced penguin is a mid-sized bird, measuring 70–73 centimeters (28–29 inches) in height and weighing 3.8 to 8.2 kilograms (8.4 to 18.1 lbs). Although the sexes look the same, females have shorter wings and beaks, and weigh significantly less. The adult is black on the head and upperparts, with snowy white underparts and throat. It has a conspicuous white eye half-ring below a black iris. The beak is primarily reddish-brown in color, though its tip show a indistinct black marking. The upper surface of the wing is black coloured, while the underside is white with a narrow black leading edge and a small black tip. The legs and feet, which are mostly unfeathered, are pale pink in color.

The black-faced penguin is known to feed mainly on fish, krill, amphipods, and cephalopods (diet varies depending on geographic location during the chick-rearing season). Despite their size, black-faced penguins are known for their bold and boisterous personality, and will challenge other animals, including predators far larger than them; for example, in July 17th, 2009, a trio of black-faced penguins arrived to chase off a Lieran giant petrel (Macronectes terriblis) that had landed to threaten a group of Novolaurasian common penguin chicks, in spite of the species difference between them. Black-faced penguins usually swim at around 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h). They are able to leap some 3 metres (10 feet) out of the water to land on rocks or ice.

Black-faced penguins breed from April to August on shores around the northwestern region of Novolaurasia. Black-faced penguins build rough nests of stones. Two eggs are laid; these are incubated for 32 to 34 days by the parents taking turns (shifts typically last for 12 days). The chicks remain in the nest for 22 days before joining crèches. The chicks moult into their juvenile plumage and go out to sea after 50 to 60 days. Adult black-faced penguins are regularly preyed upon by jaguar seals. Lieran polar skuas, in particular and Lieran giant petrels kill many chicks and eat eggs as well. Lieran giant petrels and Lieran killer whales will occasionally kill adult black-faced penguins. North polar gulls and North Novolaurasian sheathbills also prey on chicks and eggs.

The black-faced penguin is listed on CITES Appendix I, which means that all international commercial trade in black-faced penguins or their body parts is prohibited. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 1980, as the black-faced penguin is not currently thought to be threatened and have thrived in areas near Lieran people settlements. However, captive breeding programs may be beneficial for the species' survival.