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
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.
Exceptional underwater agility, capable of reaching speeds up to 12 km/h whilst 'flying' through water with remarkable manoeuvrability. Though less graceful on land with their characteristic waddle, their swimming prowess more than compensates.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Robust build with powerful flippers enables deep diving to 300+ metres and long-distance swimming. Their muscular structure supports carrying eggs on feet for extended periods and allows them to propel their substantial 9.5-16kg body through water efficiently.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable to both marine and terrestrial environments, with specialised features like four layers of feathers for temperature regulation. Successfully manages complex breeding cycles and extensive foraging journeys across varying conditions in the Southern Ocean.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful within their colonies, showing moderate territorial behaviour during breeding. Whilst they defend nesting sites and young, they're not notably aggressive compared to other seabirds, preferring to live in dense, cooperative colonies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Remarkable endurance demonstrated through 9-minute diving capabilities, multi-day foraging trips covering hundreds of kilometres, and the ability to fast for extended periods during breeding. Their exceptional oxygen storage capacity and efficient metabolism support outstanding stamina.
Diet
King Penguins primarily feed on small fish, particularly lanternfish, and squid. They are deep divers, capable of reaching depths of 360 meters to catch prey.
Their foraging trips can last several days and cover hundreds of kilometres from their breeding sites.
Behaviour
King Penguins are excellent swimmers, using their powerful flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 12 km/h. On land, they walk upright with a characteristic waddle.
They are highly social, forming large colonies during the breeding season, where they engage in complex courtship displays and vocalisations.
Vocalisation
King Penguins are known for their loud, trumpet-like calls, which are essential for partner and chick recognition in crowded colonies. Their vocalisations include a variety of whistles, grunts, and squawks.
The most distinctive sound is a high-pitched 'mew' followed by a lower 'moo', often described as 'oui-oui'.
Nesting & Breeding
King Penguins have a unique breeding cycle that spans 14-16 months. Pairs form long-term bonds and engage in elaborate courtship displays involving mutual preening and vocalisations.
Unlike most birds, King Penguins don't build nests. Instead, they incubate a single egg on their feet, covered by a fold of abdominal skin. The egg is pear-shaped to prevent rolling if dislodged.
Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 55 days. After hatching, chicks are cared for in crèches while parents forage. Fledging occurs after 10-13 months, an exceptionally long period for birds.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, King Penguins face threats from climate change, which affects their food sources and breeding habitats. Ocean pollution and overfishing also pose risks.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding grounds and monitoring population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for King Penguins on subantarctic islands and beaches
- Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing breeding colonies
- Listen for their distinctive trumpet-like calls
- Visit during the breeding season (November to March) for the best viewing opportunities
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Woolly Penguin
Family:
SpheniscidaeAverage Lifespan
15 to 26 years
Max Lifespan
27 years [4]
Predators
Adult King Penguins face few natural predators, but leopard seals and orcas pose threats at sea. On land, skuas and giant petrels may prey on eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- King Penguins can store oxygen in their muscles and blood, allowing them to dive for up to 9 minutes.
- They have four layers of feathers to keep them warm and dry in frigid waters.
- King Penguin colonies can contain hundreds of thousands of birds, creating spectacular gatherings.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Aptenodytes patagonicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697748A184637776.
View source - 2
report: Bost et al. 2013, Weimerskirch et al. 2018
- 4
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source
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