Predictive indicators of the effects of global warming by the rise and fall of their populations, Adelie penguins are examined in this ecological work on their biology, behaviour, and ecology within the Antarctic ecosystem.

The Adelie penguin is the quintessential Antarctic seabird and has been the subject of much research since the early 1960s. The penguin population has been changing dramatically over the past few decades, coincident with a warming of the oceans of Antarctica. When sea-ice declines, so does the population of Adelie penguins, making this species a predictive indicator of the effects of global warming. David Ainley's book summarizes our present ecological knowledge of this species: its biology, behavior, and ecology within the Antarctic ecosystem; the ecological factors important to its life history; and details of the mechanisms by which it is responding to climate change. The story of the Adelie penguin is complemented by richly written texts from the earliest Antarctic naturalists, fine illustrations from the accomplished artist Lucia deLeiris, and photographs by the author.

1. Introduction 2. Marine Ecology 3. Size And Distribution of Breeding Populations 4. The Annual And Nesting Cycles 5. The Occupation Period - Pair Formation. Egg Laying and Incubation 6. Reoccupation Period - Chicks and Breeding Success 7. Predation 8. Demography 9. The Bellwether Of Climate Change Literature Cited