What is Emperor Penguin

 About Emperor Penguin

• It is the largest of all the different kinds of penguin species.
• Scientific Name: Aptenodytes forsteri
• Distribution:
  • They are found throughout the Antarctic continent and sub-Antarctic islands.
  • In breeding months (April to November), emperor penguin colonies are found between 66° and 78° south latitude along the Antarctic coastline.
• Habitat: It is the most ice-adapted of any penguin species, inhabiting pack ice and surrounding marine areas. They spend their entire lives on Antarctic ice and in its waters.
• Features:
  • Adults are coloured black and white with areas of orange and yellow on the head, neck, and breast. 
  • They are approximately 120 cm tall and weigh around 40 kg.
  • They have wingspans ranging from 76 to 89 cm.
  • They gain and lose weight rapidly during breeding and feeding seasons. On average, females tend to weigh less than males.
  • They have two layers of feathers, a good reserve of fat, and proportionally smaller beaks and flippers than other penguins to prevent heat loss.
  • They also huddle close together in large groups to keep themselves and each other warm.
  • They are capable of diving to depths of approximately 550 metres (1,800 feet) in search of food; they are the world’s deepest-diving birds.
  • They breed in the winter. 
  • Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Q1) What are Penguins?

Penguins are flightless birds with flippers instead of wings. Their bodies are adapted for swimming and diving in the water. Penguins are only found in the Southern Hemisphere. The greatest concentrations are on Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands.

Source: Climate change: Four new emperor penguin groups found by satellite