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