A penguin is any of 18-21 species of flightless marine birds that live only in the Southern Hemisphere. The majority of species live between latitudes 45° and 60° S, where they breed on islands. A few penguin species inhabit temperate regions, and one, the Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), lives at the Equator.
A penguin's tail is short, and wedge-shaped, with 14 to 18 stiff tail feathers. Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins (collectively known as brush-tailed penguins) have longer tail feathers, which they often use as a prop when on land. Tuxedoed birds with endearing personalities, penguins are fascinating to young and old alike.
Clumsy and comical on land, they become beautifully graceful swimmers below the ocean's waves. Although the various species of penguins look similar, the largest penguin, the emperor, stands at 4 foot, 5 inches (1.35 meters) and the smallest penguin, the fairy or little, stands at about a foot tall. Learn about the physical and cognitive features of penguins that make them unique and adaptive.
Find out how they toboggan, preen, drink salt water, and communicate with each other. Learn about the physical description, distribution, behavior, and conservation of penguins, the flightless birds with black and white feathers and flippers. See pictures and videos of different penguin species and their habitats.
There are 18 species of penguins that live almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, with only one species, the Galápagos penguin, found north of the Equator. Penguins vary in size and. The smallest penguin species is the little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), also known as the fairy penguin, which stands around 30-33 cm (12-13 in) tall and weighs 1.2-1.3 kg (2.6-2.9 lb).
[6] Today, larger penguins generally inhabit colder regions, and smaller penguins inhabit regions with temperate or tropical climates. The 18 different species of penguins can widely in shape and size but all have black bodies and white bellies. This protective countershading allows them to hide from predators like leopard seals.
Penguins are a distinctive group of flightless aquatic birds. They divide their lives between land and sea. While they are birds, complete with feathers and the trait of laying hard-shelled eggs, they have evolved for swimming rather than flying.
Physical Adaptations for an Aquatic Life Penguins possess a fusiform body shape, creating a streamlined profile that minimizes drag while moving. Penguin Physical Characteristics Color Grey Yellow Black White Skin Type Feathers Top Speed 7 mph Lifespan 6 - 26 years Weight 2-99lbs (1-45kg) Height 10.