King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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