Penguins are flightless birds inhabiting primarily the Southern Hemisphere, with the one exception of Galapagos penguin, living north of the equator. They can be easily identified because of their mostly black and white colors, as well as the lack of wings, which have evolved into flippers to aid them in swimming.
They are divided into 6 genera consisting of 18 species.
| King Penguin | Emperor Penguin | Adelie Penguin |
| Little Blue Penguin | Magellanic Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
| Australian Little Penguin | Macaroni Penguin | Chinstrap Penguin |
| Snares Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
| Galapagos Penguin | Humboldt Penguin | African Penguin |
| Fiordland Penguin | Rockhopper Penguin | Royal Penguin |
Penguin
Some common features between various penguin species have been discussed below:
Size: Measurements of penguins are variable; the largest species is the emperor penguin, which stands at around 43 inches (1.1 m) tall. The smallest is the little blue penguin, at just 16 inches (40 cm).
Weight: They can weigh between 2.2 lb (1 kg) and 77 lb (35 kg).
Color: Most of these birds have black and white as their primary body colors.
Body: They have stocky bodies with smooth feathers which help them stay insulated.
Most penguins are found in the Southern Hemisphere, except for the Galapagos penguin, which lives in the islands it is named after. Countries in which most species are found are Argentina, Chile, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Antarctica is also home to many penguin species.
Pictures of Penguins
Penguins
Penguins inhabit remote islands with as little predator activity as possible. It is commonly thought that they only live in cold places, but in fact, they can also be found in temperate areas.
Across species, these birds feed on squid, krill, fish, and various other sea organisms.
Penguin Pictures
Pictures of Penguin
Penguins do not doze off into a deep sleep like other animals as, although rarely, they can be preyed upon. Therefore they take small naps throughout the day. They have been seen sleeping on land most of the time although scientists are of the notion that penguins also sleep when they are in the ocean. Larger species like the emperor penguin sleep while standing; most other species sleep lying down, some on their belly, while others, especially the smaller species sleep in burrows.
Penguin Sleeping
Mating season varies among the different species. They usually breed in colonies consisting of many pairs. Most species lay two eggs in a clutch, except for the king and emperor penguins, which lay just one. Incubation is done by both parents, except for the emperor species, where the male takes all the charge.
Most penguins are monogamous, meaning they remain with the same partner all their life. African, royal, and gentoo penguins are examples of monogamous species, while some, like the emperor penguin, remain with a single partner for a season, choosing a new partner in the next breeding season.
The baby penguins, called chicks, are looked after by both parents. They are born with different coloration that sets them apart from adults and is believed to draw caring behavior from parents, who do not see the chicks as rivals.
Baby Penguin
Baby Penguins
They usually live for around 15 to 20 years in the wild. This goes up considerably when they are in captivity, with some individuals living to be 50 years old.
Different species emit different sounds. These include brays, gakkers, and growls. Chicks use a peep sound. The following video will give an idea about the various sounds a penguin makes:
There are not many predators on the land, but in the water leopard seals, orcas, and sharks often prey on adult penguins.
A group of penguins in the water is called a raft, while when they are on land, it is called a colony, rookery or waddle.
They are quite graceful and comfortable when moving underwater, but much less so when traveling on land. Their walking speed usually ranges between 1mph and 2.5mph. Their short webbed feet make their walking style look like a waddle (hence their group name). Here is a video for you to see how they walk:
The duration varies depending on the size, age, and species of penguins, with the emperor penguin being capable of staying underwater for over 20 minutes.
All species are protected, and hunting them or collecting their eggs is strictly prohibited. In 1959, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty to preserve and protect that continent, as well as all wildlife dwelling there, making it illegal to interfere with or harm penguins and their eggs. Anything related to these birds has to be collected after special approval from the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR).
Penguin Eggs
Penguin Images
