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SpheniscidaeSphenisciformes

Emperor Penguin

Aptenodytes forsteri

About

The Emperor Penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species, and arguably the most resilient bird on Earth. Breeding exclusively on Antarctic sea ice during the continent's brutal winter, males endure temperatures below −40°C and winds exceeding 140 km/h while incubating a single egg on their feet for over two months without eating. Emperor Penguins can reach depths of 565 meters — the deepest dives of any bird.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan

76–89 cm

Length

110–130 cm

Weight

22–45 kg

Ecology

Habitat

Antarctic sea ice, surrounding Southern Ocean

Diet

Fish, squid, krill

Distribution

Antarctica and surrounding Southern Ocean