Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Visual Identification
Appearance
Emperor Penguins are the largest of all penguin species, with a distinctive black and white plumage. They have a black head with white ear patches, a black back, and a white belly. Their flippers are black on the outer side and white underneath.
Both males and females look similar, with bright yellow-orange patches on the sides of their necks. Juveniles have lighter, greyer plumage and lack the vibrant neck patches of adults.
Size
Length
100cm to 130cm
Wingspan
76cm to 89cm
Weight
22kg to 45kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Yellow Orange
Beak Colour
Black Pink
Leg Colour
Black
Special Accolade
Deepest Diver
Deepest recorded dive of any bird
Record: 565 m (1,854 ft) deep
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Emperor Penguins are found exclusively in Antarctica, inhabiting the pack ice and coastal regions around the continent. They breed on stable sea ice during the harsh Antarctic winter, requiring ice that remains intact for several months.
During the non-breeding season, they spend much of their time at sea, venturing into the Southern Ocean to feed. Their distribution is closely tied to the extent and quality of sea ice.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 500 meters
Climate zones
Antarctic, Subantarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Emperor Penguin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst not particularly agile on land, Emperor Penguins are remarkably nimble swimmers, capable of executing precise manoeuvres at depths of over 500 metres. Their hydrodynamic body shape and powerful flippers allow for exceptional underwater agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
These penguins possess tremendous strength, evidenced by their ability to launch themselves out of water onto ice, dive to extreme depths against intense pressure, and carry substantial body mass (up to 45kg). Their powerful swimming muscles enable sustained deep-diving capabilities.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Emperor Penguins demonstrate extraordinary adaptability, surviving in one of Earth's harshest environments. Their sophisticated huddling behaviour, unique breeding strategies, and physiological adaptations to extreme cold and deep-diving showcase remarkable adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful birds, Emperor Penguins show limited aggression except when defending territory or young. Their colonial lifestyle requires a relatively calm demeanour, though they may display defensive behaviours against predators.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Emperor Penguins exhibit exceptional endurance, withstanding temperatures as low as -60°C, fasting for months during breeding, diving for up to 22 minutes on a single breath, and travelling long distances between breeding and feeding grounds. Their endurance capabilities are amongst the most impressive in the avian world.
Diet
Emperor Penguins primarily feed on fish, particularly Antarctic silverfish, as well as squid and krill. They are adapted for deep diving, allowing them to forage at great depths.
During the breeding season, they may fast for extended periods, relying on stored body fat for energy.
Behaviour
Emperor Penguins are known for their remarkable endurance, surviving harsh Antarctic winters. They huddle together in large groups to conserve heat, rotating positions to ensure all members benefit from the warmth.
These penguins are excellent swimmers, capable of diving to depths of over 500 meters in search of food.
Vocalisation
Emperor Penguins use a variety of vocalisations for communication. Their most distinctive call is a trumpet-like sound, often described as a loud 'oorr-oorr-oorr'. This call is used for individual recognition between mates and between parents and chicks in the crowded colony.
Nesting & Breeding
Emperor Penguins breed during the Antarctic winter, with pair formation occurring in March or April. They are monogamous for the breeding season but often choose new partners each year.
No nest is built; instead, the male incubates a single egg on his feet, covered by a feathered flap of skin called a brood pouch. The egg is laid in May or June and is about 12 cm long.
Incubation lasts about 65 days, during which the male fasts. After hatching, both parents take turns caring for the chick, which fledges after about 150 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Emperor Penguins face significant threats from climate change, which affects sea ice extent and stability. This impacts their breeding habitats and food availability.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding grounds and advocating for global climate action to preserve their icy habitat.
Birdwatching Tips
- Visit Antarctica during the austral summer (November to February) for the best viewing opportunities
- Look for large colonies on the sea ice near the Antarctic coast
- Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing breeding pairs and chicks
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope for detailed views without approaching too closely
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Imperial Penguin
Family:
SpheniscidaeAverage Lifespan
15 to 20 years [4]
Max Lifespan
40 years
Predators
Adult Emperor Penguins have few natural predators, but leopard seals and killer whales pose a threat in the water. Skuas and giant petrels may prey on eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- Emperor Penguins can dive deeper than any other bird, reaching depths of over 500 meters.
- Male Emperor Penguins endure temperatures as low as -60°C while incubating their eggs.
- Emperor Penguins can stay underwater for up to 22 minutes on a single breath.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Aptenodytes forsteri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697752A157658053.
View source - 2 4
report, 2019: Trathan et al.
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