Emperors of the Antarctic – Emperor Penguins

Posted on 17. Nov, 2009 by Dee in Animals

Emperor Penguins are the largest species of penguin and they live exclusively in Antarctica. These birds stand about 4 feet tall and are all black with a white patch on their chest which usually also has hints of yellow. The most amazing thing about these birds is the commitment they have towards their eggs and their offspring.

Every year, a pair of penguins come together, mate, and once the female lays the egg; she passes it on to the male. The male penguins hold the egg on their feet and protect it with a warm fold of skin that hangs under their bellies. The males then hold the eggs in this position till then mothers return from their hunt for food. This could last for days during which time; the male penguins patiently stand bearing the wing, cold and snow waiting for their mates to return with fish, crabs and other food.

Did you know? Even though penguins’ wings aren’t made for flight, they are extremely agile swimmers and use their specially evolved wings to glide underwater most gracefully!

Tags: antarctic, birds, emperor penguins, parenting, penguins