King Penguin

Animals Unique | King Penguin | The king penguin is the second largest species of penguin in the world, with adult king penguins growing to nearly a metre in height. There are two recognised sub-species of the king penguin found throughout the sub-Antarctic, with more than 2 million breeding pairs thought to be dotted across the rocky islands (a number the which Appears to be Increasing).

 

 

The king penguin is found inhabiting the rocky islands in parts of the Antarctic Ocean, with the geographical location being one of the main differences Between the two sub-species of king penguins. King Penguins breed on the sub-Antarctic islands, at the Northern Reaches of Antarctica, as well as around the Falkland Islands, and other temperate islands of the region. The king penguin is one of the most elegant of all penguin species as it's long and slender body helps the king penguin to glide through the water with great ease. The bright-yellow markings on the head and neck of the king penguin penguins are characteristic of this species.

 

 

King penguins have adapted well to the extreme living conditions of the Antarctic and, to keep warm, the king penguin has four layers of feathering. King Penguins have 70 feathers per every square inch. The outer layer of feathers are oiled and waterproof, and the inner three layers are down feathers, the which act as very effective insulation as the bitter cold.The king penguin is a Carnivorous animal, that like all other penguin species, survives on a diet comprised That is only of marine animals. 

 

 

Krill and small crustaceans make up the bulk of the king penguin's diet along with larger organisms Including Various species of squid and fish.Due to the fact That They Inhabit quite Uncompromising regions, king penguins have no natural land-based predators. However, larger marine animals also That Inhabit the freezing waters of the Antarctic Ocean will prey on these water-based birds, with leopard seals, sharks, killer whales and Humans being the main predators of the king penguin.On average, the king penguin breeds once a year, forming pairs That usually REMAIN faithful to one another. The female king penguin lays two eggs are incubated by the which both parents for about two months, when only one of the eggs will usually hatch. The king penguin chicks are fed and kept warm by Their parents and REMAIN with them until the chicks are about a year old.

 

 

Today, the king penguin Populations in the sub-Antarctic Oceans Appear to be Thriving and better still Increasing in numbers with more than two million breeding pairs of king penguins found around the freezing waters.

King Penguin Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Sphenisciformes
Family: Spheniscidae
Genus: Aptenodytes
Scientific name: Aptenodytes patagonicus
Type: Bird
Diet: Carnivore
Size (H): 60cm - 90cm (24in - 35in)
Weight: 11kg - 16kg (24lbs - 35lbs)
Life Span: 15-20 years
Lifestyle: Colony
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Black, White, Grey, Yellow
Skin Type: Feathers
Favourite Food: Krill
Habitat: Rocky Antarctic Islands
Average Litter Size: 1
Main Prey: Krill, Fish, Shrimp
Predators: Leopard Seal, Killer Whale, Sharks
Distinctive Features: Large body size with yellow markings on head