King Penguin
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/tubby/">Ben Tubby</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameKing Penguin
Common NameKing Penguin
Scientific NameAptenodytes patagonicus patagonicus
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)12000
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black back, head, and throat, with a striking bright orange-yellow patch on each side of the head, extending down to a vibrant orange-yellow breast patch that fades to white on the belly. The bill is long and slender, black with a prominent orange streak on the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallKing Penguins have a trumpeting or braying call, often described as a loud, resonant 'trumpet' or 'honk,' used for communication within colonies, especially between parents and chicks.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, marine, subantarctic islands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on subantarctic islands and temperate islands in the Southern Ocean, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island. Forages in the surrounding cold waters.
Identifying Featureslarge size, vibrant orange-yellow ear patches, orange-yellow breast patch, long, slender bill with orange lower mandible, black back and head, white belly
Description
The King Penguin is a large, striking species known for its vibrant orange and yellow plumage patches on its head and chest. These highly social birds form vast colonies on subantarctic islands and are expert divers, foraging for fish and squid in the cold Southern Ocean.
