Researchers have uncovered a flipper flapping frenzy in Antarctica with the population of the cute Adelie penguins more than double what scientists previously thought.
Boasting a tuxedo-like look, the short-stature birds have been the focus of a study by teams from Australia, France and Japan using aerial and ground surveys.
The researchers focused on a 5000km stretch of coastline in East Antarctica, estimating 5.9 million birds - up from 2.4 million - and equating to a likely global population of up to 16 million birds, seabird ecologist Louise Emmerson said.
The disparity in numbers could be explained by the regular absence of non-breeding birds during past head counts.
"Non-breeding birds are harder to count because they are out foraging at sea, rather than nesting in colonies on land," Dr Emmerson said.
"Our study has shown that non-breeding Adelie penguins may be as, or more, abundant than the breeders.
"These birds are an important reservoir of future breeders and estimating their numbers ensures we better understand the entire population's foraging needs."
Researchers also looked at the amount of food needed to support the Adelie population.
During breeding season alone the East Antarctic colony consumes more than 193,000 tonnes of krill and close to 20,000 tonne of fish.
