Domain Eucarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Superclass Gnathostomata
Class Aves OR: Class Archosauromorpha
Sublcass Neornithes OR: Subclass Dinosauria,
Infraclass Aves
Superorder Carinatae
Order Sphenisciformes
Family Spheniscidae (penguins)
Genus Pygoscelis ('bottom-legged')
The genus of 'brush-tailed penguins', containing three species. These three species appear to be grouped more for external characteristics (no crests and long tails) than for any other reason. Their behaviors and ranges vary widely: witness the difference between the Gentoo Penguin, which will run away from a threat rather than fight, and the Chinstrap, which will attack other penguins if threatened.