King Penguin
Image: Andres de Miguel (cc-by-nc)
NameKing Penguin
Common NameKing Penguin
Scientific NameAptenodytes patagonicus
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)13500
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black head, chin, and throat, with prominent bright orange ear patches that extend down to the upper chest. The back is grey-blue, transitioning to a white belly. A distinctive yellow-orange patch adorns the upper breast, fading to white lower down. The long, slender bill is black with a striking orange-pink patch on the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallKing Penguins produce a variety of loud, trumpeting calls, often described as braying or squawking, used for communication within colonies, especially between parents and chicks, and during courtship.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatssubantarctic islands, coastal, marine, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeKing Penguins breed on subantarctic islands around the Antarctic Convergence, including South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Prince Edward Islands, Heard Island, and Macquarie Island. They forage in the surrounding Southern Ocean.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Bright orange ear patches, Long, slender bill with orange lower mandible patch, Yellow-orange breast patch, Grey-blue back
Description
The King Penguin is a large, striking penguin species known for its vibrant orange and yellow markings. These highly social birds breed in dense colonies on subantarctic islands and are adept divers, foraging for fish and squid in the open ocean.
