King Penguin
ExploreBirds
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
The King Penguin is the second largest penguin. They have bright orange markings on their heads and are very social birds.
Habitat: Sub-Antarctic islands
Appearance
The King Penguin has a sleek, black back and a bright white belly. Its most striking features are the vibrant orange-yellow patches on its upper chest and either side of its head, contrasting with its slender black bill.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSphenisciformesFamilySpheniscidaeGenusAptenodytes
Category
BirdsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby King Penguins are fuzzy brown balls, looking very different from their parents!
King Penguins carry their single egg on their feet to keep it warm, not in a nest!
The entire breeding cycle, from egg to independent chick, can take over a year!
They are the second biggest penguin species, right after the mighty Emperor Penguin!
Special abilities
Ability
Deep Diver
King Penguins can dive over 300 meters deep because of their dense bones, helping them reach prey far below the ocean surface.
Ability
Underwater Rocket
King Penguins have powerful flippers and a torpedo body that helps them 'fly' through water to chase down swift prey.
Ability
Salt Filter
King Penguins have special glands above their eyes that help filter salt from seawater, allowing them to drink ocean water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 85-95 cm
- Weight
- 9-18 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1
- Incubation
- 54 days
Diet & Feeding
King Penguins primarily eat small fish and squid, which they skillfully catch by diving deep in the ocean.
Age differences: Chicks are fed regurgitated, partially digested food by their parents.
Primary Foods
- Lanternfish
- Squid
- Notothen fish
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard Seal
Hydrurga leptonyx
Adults and chicks are hunted by this large, powerful seal.
eaten by
Orca
Orcinus orca
Orcas are apex predators of the Southern Ocean and hunt penguins.
eaten by
Great Skua
Stercorarius skua
Skaus prey on eggs and young chicks in their breeding colonies.
hunts
Carlsberg's Lanternfish
Electrona carlsbergi
A primary food source, caught during deep dives.
hunts
Long-armed Squid
Kondakovia longimana
This squid is a significant part of their varied ocean diet.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
Royal Penguin
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is King Penguin?
85-95 cm
How much does King Penguin weigh?
9-18 kg
How long does King Penguin live?
15-20 years
How fast can King Penguin move?
15 km/h
What does King Penguin eat?
King Penguins primarily eat small fish and squid, which they skillfully catch by diving deep in the ocean.
Where is King Penguin usually found?
Sub-Antarctic islands
How does King Penguin hunt?
Pursuit
How many eggs does King Penguin lay?
1
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