Details
Aptenodytes patagonicus
The king penguin is a seabird that forms large colonies on subantarctic islands. It dives by day and returns to crowded breeding grounds on land.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses subantarctic islands and surrounding cold seas. Broad beaches or flats support breeding, while rich offshore waters support feeding.
Wingspan is about 85-95 cm and weight about 11-16 kg. A silver-gray back, white belly, orange-yellow neck patches, and long bill are distinctive.
Active by day, it dives deeply at sea and locates mates or chicks by voice in the colony. Birds stand close together in cold conditions.
It is carnivorous, catching fish and squid. The wings act as flippers, and dive depth follows prey availability.
It builds no nest; the egg is held on the feet under a brood patch. Parents alternate sea trips and feed the chick by regurgitation.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Breeding takes a long cycle, and changes in marine feeding areas affect colony success.
