Emperor Penguins
Source: Christopher Michel
The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin, in both body mass and height.
Estimated Population:
120,000 breeding pairs
Weight and height:
32 kg – 40 kg, 1.2 m
Lifespan:
20 years
Prey/Diet:
Variety of fish, cephalopods and krill
Conservation Status:
Endangered
Source: Shannon Derthick
Population trends:
Distinguishing physical characteristics:
The largest of all penguin species, distinguished by faint yellow auricular patches which become more orange near the ear. Faint yellow coloration across the upper chest. Face is black, upper mandible of the bill is black, with pink to orange on the lower mandible. Legs are feathered, feet are black. Eye is dark brown.
Source: Pooja's Laboratory
Geographic Breeding Range:
Antarctica
Fun Fact:
They were probably first sighted on the second voyage of Captain James Cook (1773-1775). Emperor Penguins have only one chick per season and are the only species to incubate their eggs during the Antarctic winter. Emperors do not build a nest, but incubate their egg on their feet to keep the egg warm.
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