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 dark grey back, black head, and a distinctive bright orange-yellow patch on each side of the neck, extending to the upper chest. Their belly is white, and their long, slender bill is black with an orange streak on the lower mandible. Juveniles are covered in thick brown, fluffy down.
Vocalization / CallKing Penguins have a variety of loud, trumpeting calls, often described as braying or bugling, used for communication within colonies, especially between parents and chicks.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatssubantarctic islands, coastal areas, open ocean
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds on subantarctic islands such as South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Prince Edward Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, and Macquarie Island. Forages in the surrounding cold waters of the Southern Ocean.
Identifying Featureslarge size, upright posture, bright orange-yellow neck and chest patches, black head, white belly, long, slender bill with orange streak, brown, fluffy chicks
Description
King Penguins are large, striking penguins known for their upright posture and vibrant orange-yellow patches on their heads and chests. They are highly social, forming vast colonies on subantarctic islands, where they breed and raise their young. These birds are excellent swimmers, diving deep to hunt for fish and squid.
