Saturday, January 9, 2010

Emperor Penguin


The Emperor Penguin is the most interesting penguin to study.  They remain in Antarctica permanently.  They do not build nests of shelters, only using their warm bodies to warm the eggs.  Emperors are the only penguins in Antarctica that breed in winter. 



They have a big head, a thick neck, a wedged shaped tail and tiny, flipper like wings.  The King Penguin looks alike the Emperor.  But is smaller.  Emperors have special waterproof feathers to keep their skin dry and webbed feet used for swimming.

Unlike most penguins that eat krill, Emperors eat fish, squid and crustaceans. They get them by taking deep and long pursuit dives.  They can reach depths of more than 700 feet.


Did you know?

l      The Emperor penguin is the world's largest penguin.


l      The Emperor penguin lays its single egg during the coldest time of the year.


l      Emperors have by far the deepest and longest dives for any bird.


l      They do not have nests, they take turns taking care of the eggs.


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