Species Spotlight: Emperor Penguin

Emperor penguin adults and chick, Antarctica

Questions and Answers

How does the emperor penguin’s coloring help it’s hunting?
As the penguin searches for small shrimp, fish, crabs and squid, its black body with white belly camouflages it both above and below in the water.

How do emperor penguins stay warm?
Emperor penguins have two layers of feathers—even on their legs, so their ankles don’t get cold—a reserve of fat and smaller beak and flippers than other penguins to prevent heat loss.

How are emperor penguins’ feet adapted to the cold?
Even emperor penguins’ feet are adapted to icy conditions, with special fats to prevent them from freezing and strong claws for gripping the ice.

Habitat

Emperor penguins live on the floating ice packs and islands of Antarctica.
Diet

They feed on a diet of crustaceans, small fish and squid.
Threats

Climate change and habitat loss pose the greatest risks to these remarkable birds.
Interesting Fact

Growing to four feet tall and known as the giant of the penguins, emperor penguins live on the floating ice packs and islands of Antarctica.