This extraordinary all-black penguin was photographed by Ewan Edwards, a research scientist based on St Andrews Bay, South Georgia.

The penguin is a rare melanistic variant, having an over-abundance of the dark pigment melanin in its body.

"There are published records of melanism in king penguins and other penguin species," Ewan told BBC Earth. But "it's probably too rare an occurrence to say anything firm about the survival or abundance" of the penguins born this way, he adds.

The all-black plumage of the penguin might make it easier to spot in the water by predators, but that is just speculation.

"The animal in my photos certainly looks healthy, not underweight, and was behaving normally, although seemed to be getting extra attention from some other individuals in the colony," he adds.

Here are a host or other amazing birds photographed by you, and shared with BBC Earth Capture. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

You can find out how to join the next film and photo challenge by clicking on this link: BBC Earth Capture.