General Description
Large-bodied penguin with a grey-black back and wings, black head, and white belly with small orange wash under chin. Prominent patch of orange on the ear and orange patch on otherwise black bill. Up to 15 kg, head-body length 15 kg.
Biology
Second largest of the penguins. Breeds on circumpolar islands around Antarctica. Breeding generally begins when birds reach 5-6 years old. Can swim up to 12 km/h.
Distribution
Southern Ocean
Habitat
Marine and pelagic environments in the sub-Antarctic.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Fast Fact
King Penguins hunt for their food by pursuit diving - using their wings to propel themselves underwater. The species can dive up to 240 m in search of food, including fish and cephalopods.
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Brief Id
Back grey black. Head black. Orange ear patch. Orange and black bill. White belly with orange wash under chin.
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Colours
Black, White, Yellow, Orange
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Maximum Size
95 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Carnivore
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Diet Categories
Fish, Cephalopods
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Endemicity
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Conservation Statuses
CITES: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, FFG Threatened List: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Least Concern
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Depths
Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
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Water Column Locations
Surface
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Taxon Name
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Common Name
King Penguin
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
patagonicus