King penguin
The king penguin is the second largest species among the 18 types of penguins, reaching heights of 28 to 39 inches (70 to 100 centimeters) and weighing between 20 to 45 pounds (9 to 20 kilograms). With distinctive white fronts and black backs, they are known for their striking orange patches on their heads and throats. These flightless birds inhabit the Antarctic region, particularly around the 40 degrees latitude mark, where they dive to depths of 200 feet (60 meters) in search of fish and squid. King penguins are adept swimmers, capable of reaching speeds exceeding seven miles per hour (12 kilometers per hour) and are equipped to withstand the harsh, frigid conditions of their environment.
King penguins typically mate between October and December, laying one egg that is incubated primarily by the male. Both parents are involved in nurturing their chick, which develops and becomes independent by the following summer. Despite facing natural predators like leopard seals and killer whales, king penguins are not currently considered a threatened species and can live for over 25 years. Their unique adaptations and social behaviors make them a fascinating subject of study for those interested in wildlife and marine biology.
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King penguin
The king penguins, second largest of the 18 species of penguins, are able to dive to depths of 200 feet (60 meters) in search of squid and fish. They resemble their close relatives, the emperor penguins, with their white fronts and black backs and heads, but they have larger orange patches on the sides of their heads and on their throats. King penguins can be found throughout the Antarctic region.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Sphenisciformes
Family: Spheniscidae
Genus: Aptenodytes
Species: Patagonicus
King penguins are about 28 to 39 inches (70 to 100 centimeters) tall when they are standing upright. Their round, plump bodies weigh between 20 and 45 pounds (nine to 20 kilograms). Very short, stiff feathers grow densely from their bodies. These feathers and the penguins' thick layers of blubber, or fat, allow them to survive in the frigid waters and freezing temperatures which the howling winds blow across the water and islands. The plumage, or feathering, on their chests and stomachs is white, while it is black on their heads, backs, and long, paddle-like wings. Behind their black eyes they have a bright, orange patch on either side if their heads. This same color appears in a small patch high on their chests just below their throats. A stripe of similar color runs along each side of their long, slightly curved, pointed, black beaks.
The Antarctic oceans around 40 degrees latitude are the home and feeding grounds of these penguins. They spend much of their time in the water in search of prey, diving to depths of 200 feet (60 meters) in pursuit of fish and squid. The birds' long, powerful, flipper-like wings move them quickly through the water as their feet steer. These flightless birds can swim faster than many birds can fly through the air reaching speeds of over seven miles per hour (12 kilometers per hour). While they hunt for food, the penguins also watch for leopard seals which hunt the penguins. An approaching leopard seal sends the penguins rushing and scurrying ashore with beating flippers and loud noises, which confuse the seal. In most cases, the weaker and slower birds become a meal for the seal. Killer whales also prey on king penguins.
King penguins mate every year but only two out of three years will they be successful. Usually they mate between October and December, which is summer this far south in the southern hemisphere. Shortly before they mate, the penguins leave the water and waddle onto islands in order to molt, or shed their feathers. This process takes two weeks to replace old feathers with new ones. When molting is completed the penguins then mate. A female lays one egg. The male begins incubating the egg. He cradles the egg on his feet, which have numerous blood vessels to circulate heat around the egg. The male also has a large fold of skin on his belly which covers the egg and keeps it warm. He incubates the egg while the female feeds in the ocean. When she returns, the female shares in the rest of the 50-day incubation period upon her return. Both parents keep the chick warm at first until it is larger. They also feed it until it is almost as heavy as they are. The chick then joins a group of chicks for the winter months. When spring arrives the chick develops its adult plumage and reaches adult size. By the following summer it is independent.
A king penguin can live over 25 years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Edwards, Keena. “ADW: Aptenodytes Patagonicus: Information.” Animal Diversity Web, 2011, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Aptenodytes‗patagonicus. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
“King Penguin, Facts, and Photos.” National Geographic, 2024, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/facts/king-penguin. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.