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King Penguin

Aptenodytes patagonicus

Standing at an impressive 3 feet tall in their distinctive orange-patched tuxedo, these charismatic waddlers rule the beaches of sub-Antarctic islands.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

King Penguins are striking birds with a distinctive black and white plumage, accented by vibrant orange-yellow patches on their head and neck. They have a sleek, streamlined body with flipper-like wings adapted for swimming.

Adults display a silvery-grey back, contrasting with their white belly. The orange ear patches and throat fade to pale yellow down the neck. Juveniles have a duller plumage, lacking the bright colours of adults.

Size

Length

70cm to 100cm

Wingspan

80cm to 100cm

Weight

9.5kg to 16kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Yellow Orange

Beak Colour

Black Orange

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The King Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The King Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The King Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The King Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The King Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The King Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The King Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The King Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The King Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The King Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The King Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The King Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

King Penguins inhabit subantarctic islands in the Southern Ocean, with major populations on South Georgia, Crozet, and Kerguelen Islands. They prefer ice-free areas with easy access to the sea for foraging.

During the non-breeding season, they spend months at sea, ranging widely across the Southern Ocean. Some individuals have been recorded as far north as the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Subantarctic, Antarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a King 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