As I started to look forward to celebrating another birthday this week, I decided I would review my bucket list and admire all of the wonderful possibilities I have created for myself—among them: visiting Antarctica. Albeit cold, errr freezing, there are several reasons why I dream of trekking to this pristine part of the world. For starters, I can only imagine how breathtaking the majestic landscape must be. But more obviously, the native wildlife is the greatest draw—particularly the birds, especially the penguins!
- Looks like these guys are all ready for a black tie affair…
Common Name: Emperor Penguin
Latin Name: Aptenodytes forsteri
Range: Circumpolar Antarctic
Habitat: Harsh, freezing conditions in Antarctica
Diet: Fish and squid
Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri), the largest living penguin species
Five cool facts about the Emperor Penguin…
- It is the largest of all penguins reaching a height of nearly four feet and weighing approximately 90 pounds.
- It lives in the coldest climate on earth and is the only species that remains in the Antarctic during the winter on open ice.
- Males are responsible for the incubation of a single egg each winter. Once the female lays her egg, she travels approximately fifty miles in search of food, a nearly two month long expedition, while the males remain without food.
- Does it get any cuter than this?
- Since emperor penguins do not have specific nest sites, pairs use vocalizations for identification.
- An Emperor Penguin can hold its breath for up to twenty minutes.
- Behind the scenes at Sea World with “Tut” the King Penguin – SO cool!
Are you as smitten with penguins as I am? Check out Sea World’s Live Penguin Cam to observe some incredible penguin behavior. You’ll love it!
Happy Birding!
Michelle
