King Penguin
NameKing Penguin
Common NameKing Penguin
Scientific NameAptenodytes patagonicus
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)90
Weight (g)12000
Plumage DetailsAdults have a black back, white belly, and distinctive bright orange-yellow patches on the sides of the head and upper chest. Their long, slender black bill features an orange streak on the lower mandible. Juveniles are covered in dense, brown, fluffy down.
Vocalization / CallKing Penguins produce a variety of loud, trumpeting calls, braying sounds, and hisses, especially during breeding season to communicate within their dense colonies.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsrocky coasts, sub-Antarctic islands, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeKing Penguins breed on sub-Antarctic islands, including South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Kerguelen, Crozet, and Macquarie Island, foraging in the surrounding cold waters.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size (second largest penguin species), Bright orange-yellow ear patches and upper chest patch, Long, slender black bill with an orange streak on the lower mandible, Dense, fluffy brown plumage of chicks
Description
The King Penguin is a large, flightless seabird known for its striking plumage and colonial breeding habits. They are highly social, forming massive colonies on sub-Antarctic islands, and are expert divers, foraging for fish and squid in the open ocean.
