Emperor Penguin

Fun Facts for Kids

• In the Deep South of Antarctica, where these penguins live, the temperature occasionally drops as low as -60C. These birds are able to survive due to having large stores of body fat as well as several layers of scale-like feathers. In addition, during harsh weather condition, birds in colonies huddle together in order to preserve heat.
• The Emperor penguins are top swimmers and excellent divers. They are able to dive at a depth of up to 500m, remaining submerged for about 22 minutes.
• Behind their eyes, these birds possess special supraorbital gland, which acts like a filter, clearing their blood form salt. Due to this gland, the penguins are able to ingest salty ocean water while hunting; the salt is then filtered and released through the animal's beak or by sneezing.
• The Emperor penguins undergo so-called "catastrophic molt": unlike other birds, who molt a few feathers at a time, the Emperors lose and regrow the whole plumage at one. The period of molt lasts for 2-3 weeks, during which they live on land without going to sea.
• The ears of the Emperor penguins are not visible, but the birds have strong sense of hearing, which helps them find each other in their large breeding colonies by emitting distinct calls.