Emperor Penguins

Emperor penguins are the largest of all penguin species. They stand about 4 feet tall and live in Antarctica. Emperor penguins survive the coldest winter on Earth. They are the only penguins that breed during the Antarctic winter.

Surviving the Cold

Emperor penguins huddle together in large groups to stay warm. Each penguin takes turns being on the cold outside of the huddle. Inside the huddle, temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit even when it is minus 40 outside. They rotate so everyone gets a turn in the warm center.

Raising Chicks

The female lays one egg and gives it to the father. Then she walks up to 70 miles to the ocean to find food. The father balances the egg on his feet under a warm flap of skin for two months. He does not eat the entire time. The mother returns just as the chick hatches.

Fun Facts

• Male emperor penguins go without food for about 65 days while keeping the egg warm.
• Emperor penguins can dive over 1,800 feet deep, deeper than any other bird.
• Inside a penguin huddle, it can be 140 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

Did You Know?

Emperor penguins can hold their breath for over 20 minutes while diving! They are the deepest-diving birds in the world, reaching depths of over 1,800 feet.