Although there is increasing evidence that birds have individual chemical profiles that can be used in different social contexts, partner scent recognition has only been explored in procellariiform seabirds, a group of birds known for their highly developed olfactory system. However, olfaction is not restricted to Procellariiformes, and birds with smaller olfactory bulbs can also use chemical cues in different social contexts. More evidence from different bird groups is needed to disentangle whether olfaction plays a general role in partner recognition. We performed a choice experiment to examine whether chinstrap penguins Pygoscelis antarcticus can discriminate the scent of their partner from the scent of other conspecifics. Our results do not suggest a preference of penguins for the scent of their partners. Our results highlight the need to carry out additional studies to determine the mechanisms underlying partner recognition in penguins.
