Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
- Where
- Antarctic Circle, Antarctica
- Habitat
- Sea ice, coastal areas, and rocky shores in extreme cold
- Diet
- Fish, krill, squid, and crustaceans from the Southern Ocean
- Size
- 45-45 inches tall, 80 pounds (36 kg)
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in wild, up to 30 years captive
- Conservation
- Endangered due to climate change, fishing bycatch, and habitat degradation
Fun Facts
- Males incubate eggs for 2 months straight—no food or sleep!
- Emperors are most southerly breeding bird on Earth
- They can dive as deep as 1,800 feet (550 meters)
Learn More
Black backs and white bellies help hide from predators in snow
Feathers trap warm air next to skin for insulation
Unique flipper-like wings help swim and balance