Updated distribution and population dynamics of Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus colonies in the Strait of Magellan, Chile

The Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus exhibits a broad latitudinal distribution in southern South America. However, the locations of many breeding colonies remain poorly known on the Pacific side, particularly in the southernmost region. Here, we provide information for six Magellanic Penguin colonies in the Strait of Magellan and adjacent waters that have been known by the local community for years but were unknown in the scientific literature until now: Rupert Islet, Tuckers Islet 1, Tuckers Islet 2, James Island 1, James Island 2, and Monmouth Island. These locations differ in population size and in vegetation coverage: most colonies are characterized by mosses, grasses, and bushes, but a dense forest cover characterizes Tuckers Islet 2. These records update our knowledge of the distribution of Magellanic Penguin colonies on the southernmost tip of South America.