Penguins are one of the most beloved and iconic species on Earth. These aquatic birds are found in the Southern Hemisphere and are characterized by their unique black and white feathers and distinctive waddling gait.
Penguins range in size from the tiny blue penguin, the smallest species, to the Emperor Penguin, which can reach a height of almost four feet tall.
Penguins are known for their playful behavior and strong social bonds, which have made them popular in zoos and aquariums around the world.
They are also valuable indicators of environmental health, as their presence or absence in a given ecosystem can provide important clues about the health of the surrounding marine environment.
1. Emperor penguin
The Emperor penguin is an amazing bird - the tallest and heaviest of all living penguins. It has a unique plumage with black head and back feathers sharply contrasted against its white belly, pale-yellow breast, and bright-yellow ear patches.
Reaching up to 100 cm in length and weighing between 22–45 kg, it's truly a sight to behold.
The Emperor Penguin is endemic to Antarctica where they feed on krill fish or squid depending on the season. Breeding occurs during the harsh winter months when temperatures can drop as low as −40 °C (−40 °F).
Despite this extreme climate their remarkable adaptations allow them to survive in these unforgiving conditions – making them one of nature’s true marvels.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Aptenodytes |
| Species | A. forsteri |
2. Chinstrap penguin
Chinstrap penguins are a fascinating species of birds found in the Southern Pacific and Antarctic Oceans. They have distinct black bands around their heads, making them easy to identify.
These penguins stand up to 70 cm tall with adults weighing an average of 3-4 kgs. Their diet mostly consists of krill, shrimp and small fish which they catch while swimming underwater or scavenging for food on land.
Chinstraps are very social animals that form large colonies when breeding - during this time males will fight each other over territory rights.
As well as being fun to watch these little fellows can also be quite noisy too.
All in all chinstrap penguin is one amazing bird that deserves our admiration and respect - it's no wonder why they're so beloved by many people across the globe.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. antarcticus |
3. King penguin
King penguins are majestic birds that live in the temperate and sub-Antarctic regions of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
They stand up to 3 feet tall, making them smaller than their relative, the Emperor Penguin.
King Penguins have a distinctive two toned orange and black plumage with white markings on its face around its eyes which gives it an elegant look.
Unlike other species of penguin, they don't migrate as much but stay close to breeding grounds year round living off from fish and squid found near shorelines or ice floes.
Their diet also consists of krill shrimp, small crustaceans such as copepods or amphipods eaten whole along with some occasional planktonic organisms like jellyfish for variety.
King Penguins form large colonies where males take part in incubation duties while females feed at sea for weeks at a time during mating season.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Aptenodytes |
| Species | A. patagonicus |
4. Gentoo penguin
Gentoo penguins are an iconic species of birds found in the Falkland Islands. They have a distinctive black and white plumage, with a bright orange beak and feet.
The gentoo is one of three closely related species—the Adélie Penguin (P. adeliae) and chinstrap penguin (P. antarcticus)—and they can all be seen co-existing in their natural habitat near open water or on ice shelves around Antarctica, including the South Shetlands, Orkneys, South Georgia islands, Kerguelen Islands and Macquarie Island to name just a few places.
This sociable bird is known for its loud call which sounds like “gentooooo”; it also makes other vocalizations such as honks during courtship displays.
Gentoos prefer to live in large colonies but will often nest alone or form small groups when needed.
With climate change having an increasingly negative effect on Antarctic habitats these days it's more important than ever that we protect this fascinating animal so future generations may enjoy them too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. papua |
5. Adélie penguin
The Adélie penguin is a species of bird unique to the Antarctic continent. It's one of the most widespread and southerly distributed penguins, and its name comes from Adéle Dumont d'Urville - wife of French explorer Jules Sébastian César Dumont d’Urville who explored much of Antarctica in 1837-1840.
They're well adapted for life on land as they have thick layers of feathers that insulate them against cold temperatures, webbed feet used for swimming great distances & strong beaks made for catching fish like krill & squid.
Their diet also includes crustaceans, mollusks and cephalopods which are plentiful around Antarctica's coastlines where they nest in large colonies during breeding season.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Pygoscelis |
| Species | P. adeliae |
6. Southern rockhopper penguin
The Southern rockhopper penguin is a species of rockhopper known for its distinct yellow crest. It lives in the subantarctic waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as around the southern coasts of South America.
First described by English naturalist George Edwards in 1743, this medium-sized seabird has black upperparts that contrast against white underparts and face patches. They have very short red bills with orangey eyespots on each side.
The birds are highly social creatures who form large colonies near coastal cliffs during breeding season to raise their young chicks together.
In winter they move offshore onto pack ice where they feed mainly on small fish such as anchovies and squid.
Despite being endangered due to habitat destruction, these remarkable animals continue to thrive today thanks largely to conservation efforts worldwide.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. chrysocome |
7. Magellanic penguin
The Magellanic penguin is a beloved South American bird that breeds in coastal Patagonia, including Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. It migrates to Brazil and Uruguay occasionally as far north as Espirito Santo.
Vagrants have even been spotted in El Salvador, Antarctica's Avian Island and Australia/New Zealand.
This species of penguin is perhaps most recognizable for its striking black-and-white plumage - it has an entirely white underbelly with two distinctive stripes across its back which are black above and white below.
Additionally, they possess large pinkish feet which act like paddles when swimming underwater; these birds can swim up to 20 mph.
The Magellanic Penguin typically lives around 15 years but some may live longer due to their strong social bonds within colonies.
All in all this majestic creature makes quite the statement both on land or sea - making them a unique addition our planet’s wildlife population.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | S. magellanicus |
8. Galapagos penguin
The Galápagos penguin is a unique species of bird found only in the waters around Ecuador's Galapagos Islands.
It is the northernmost-dwelling penguin, adapted to survive thanks to cool currents from the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents.
This small yet hardy bird has black feathers on its back, with white stripes running down each side of its body and along its face. Its beak is usually yellow or orange and it stands about 27 cm tall when fully grown.
Although they are mostly solitary animals, these penguins form large colonies during breeding season which can number up to 500 individuals at any one time.
The noise of their calls echoes across the islands creating an unforgettable chorus for visitors lucky enough to witness this amazing sight first hand.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | S. mendiculus |
9. Royal penguin
The Royal Penguin is a near threatened species of penguin found in the sub-Antarctic, primarily on Macquarie Island and other nearby islands. Its scientific name honors German zoologist Hermann Schlegel.
These birds have distinctive white feathers at their cheeks, which can be seen from quite far away when they are standing together in large groups.
While these unique features make them easily identifiable by experts, there has been some debate over whether royal penguins should be considered an individual species or if they are merely a reduced form of the macaroni penguin.
Despite this uncertainty, conservation efforts continue to protect them as best we can so that future generations may still enjoy seeing them up close.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. schlegeli |
10. Fiordland penguin
The Fiordland penguin, also known as the tawaki or pokotiwha in Māori, is a crested species of penguin endemic to New Zealand.
It breeds along the south-western coasts of South Island and on Stewart Island/Rakiura with outlying islands.
This bird has adapted to its surroundings by having a thick waterproof feather coat that allows it to survive swimming long distances at sea for food.
Its diet consists mainly of small squid and fish which they hunt during their dives in search for prey.
They use their short beaks when chasing after krill and other crustaceans underwater making them powerful swimmers reaching depths up to 100 meters beneath the surface.
The Fiordland Penguin can live up 25 years if it's lucky enough not too become an easy meal for predators such as seals, sharks or even large birds like albatrosses.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. pachyrhynchus |
Also Featured In: Endangered Birds of New Zealand,
11. Yellow-eyed penguin
The Yellow-eyed Penguin, also known as hoiho or tarakaka, is a species of penguin endemic to New Zealand.
It can be distinguished from other penguins by its yellow eyes and distinctive yellow band across the top of its head.
Molecular research has revealed that it is closely related to Eudyptes Penguins rather than the Little Penguin.
As with most penguins, the Yellow-eyed Penguin's diet consists mainly of fish which it catches in shallow waters near shorelines.
During breeding season they form colonies on rocky coasts around New Zealand where they build nests out of pebbles and twigs lined with feathers for their eggs and chicks.
With such an iconic presence in New Zealand’s waters, these charming birds are sure to make any beach trip memorable.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Megadyptes |
| Species | M. antipodes |
12. Erect-crested penguin
The Erect-crested Penguin is a native of New Zealand and can be found on the Bounty and Antipodes Islands.
Featuring black upper parts, white underparts, as well as yellow eye stripes and crest, this penguin stands out from other species.
During winter they spend most their time in open seas with little known about its biology or breeding habits.
Unfortunately reports suggest that over the last few decades population numbers have declined significantly due to human activity such as fishing practices but also climate change issues including sea level rise causing habitat loss.
Conservation efforts are being made though by organisations trying to protect these stunning birds for future generations.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. sclateri |
13. Humboldt penguin
The Humboldt Penguin is a medium-sized bird that resides in South America, mainly along the coastal regions of Peru. It belongs to the same family as African Penguins, Magellanic Penguins and Galapagos Penguins.
The species was named after Alexander von Humboldt, an explorer who first discovered it during his travels. With its black and white plumage, they are easily recognizable by their distinctive pink tufts on their face and feet.
Despite being listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting for food or feathers, these penguins have adapted well with human presence around them; making colonies close to fishing villages near rocky coasts where there is abundant shelter from predators like sea lions and seals.
They feed primarily on anchovies but also eat other fish such as sardines if available nearby.
Conservation efforts must be taken soon so we can protect this unique creature from extinction.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | S. humboldti |
14. Snares penguin
The Snares penguin is a yellow-crested bird native to New Zealand. It stands between 50 - 70 cm tall and weighs 2.5 - 4 kg, with dark blue-black upper parts and white underparts.
These birds breed on the Snares Islands off of the southern coast of South Island, although they are also found further out in the ocean around Cook Strait during winter months when they migrate for food sources.
During breeding season their diet consists mainly of fish supplemented by krill but can be varied depending on availability. As well as being an iconic species in New Zealand waters.
These remarkable creatures are facing threats due to climate change and increased fishing activity which has led them to become listed as Vulnerable by IUCN Red List since 2018.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. robustus |
15. Northern rockhopper penguin
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) is a species of penguin native to the southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is distinct from its cousin, the Southern Rockhopper Penguin.
This unique species has experienced a dramatic population decline since the 1950s; research estimates that numbers have decreased by 90%.
The main threats faced by this bird include overfishing, climate change, pollution and egg harvesting for food.
As such, conservation efforts are needed to ensure that these birds do not become extinct in our lifetime.
Furthermore their natural habitats need better protection so they can thrive without interference from humans or human-induced activities like fishing trawlers which damage their nesting grounds on shorelines around islands where they breed during certain times of year.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. moseleyi |
16. Eastern rockhopper penguin
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is a unique species of crested penguin. It has yellow crest feathers, pink margins around its bill and is one of the smallest crested penguins found in subantarctic regions and the Indian Ocean.
The bird's diet consists mostly of krill, squid, fish and other crustaceans which it finds near rocks or reefs close to shorelines.
Its habitat ranges from tropical islands to cold climates such as those encountered on Antarctic coasts.
They are social birds who form colonies for breeding purposes and often mate with the same partner year after year returning back to their nesting grounds each season.
When not mating they can be seen porpoising through waves while searching for food during daytime when visibility underwater improves significantly due to sunlight streaming down into waters below surface levels making them easier prey targets than at night time when darkness makes hunting more difficult.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | E. chrysocome |
| Subspecies | E. c. filholi |
17. Australian little penguin
The Australian little penguin, also known as the fairy penguin, is a species of small aquatic bird native to Australia and New Zealand. It has an overall black or dark blue plumage and white underneath.
The bill is pink with bluish-gray edges while its feet are webbed for swimming. They tend to live in large colonies on coastal islands and can be found around rocky shorelines during breeding season.
Little Penguins usually feed on fish, squid and crustaceans which they hunt in shallow waters near their habitat at night time when it's easier to spot prey due to light reflection off water surface.
Besides being vulnerable from predators like foxes, cats or dogs; human activities such as fishing nets entanglement have become major threats against this species' survival nowadays too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptula |
| Species | E. novaehollandiae |
18. Waitaha penguin
The Waitaha penguin is a species of New Zealand penguin that was discovered in 2009. Scientists studied the foot bones of 500-year-old, 100-year-old and modern specimens to identify this new species.
The Waitaha penguins are closely related to the yellow eyed penguin but have some distinct differences such as their larger size and more varied diet which includes both fish and marine invertebrates.
They tend to inhabit rocky shorelines rather than sandy beaches like other varieties of Penguin, making them difficult for humans to observe in nature.
As an endangered species, conservation efforts are underway from scientists around the world who seek to protect these majestic birds from extinction.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Megadyptes |
| Species | †M. waitaha |
19. Palaeeudyptes klekowskii
Palaeeudyptes klekowskii, also known as the colossus penguin, was an extinct species of the Palaeeudyptes genus.
It is estimated to have been almost twice as tall as its congener Palaeeudyptes antarcticus and even taller than today's emperor penguins.
Fossils found in New Zealand suggest that it could reach heights up to 2 meters (6 feet). Its diet likely consisted of fish, squid and other marine creatures that were common during its time period.
The exact cause for this species' extinction remains unknown but some researchers speculate climate change may have played a role.
Despite their impressive size, Paelaeudypter Klekowskii's graceful mannerisms made them beloved by all who encountered them during their lifetime.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | †Palaeeudyptes |
| Species | †P. klekowskii |
20. Leopard seal
The Leopard seal is one of the largest species in the Antarctic with its only natural predator being an orca.
This fierce hunter has a wide diet consisting of cephalopods, pinnipeds, krill, fish and birds - particularly penguins.
It's closest relatives are other seals such as Weddell seals and Ross Seals. With its huge size and sharp teeth it can easily hunt large prey but also feeds on smaller animals like squid or crustaceans when available.
The leopard Seal is well adapted to survive cold temperatures and deep waters which makes them great predators in their habitat.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Clade | Pinnipedia |
| Family | Phocidae |
| Subfamily | Monachinae |
| Tribe | Lobodontini |
| Genus | Hydrurga Gistel, 1848 |
| Species | H. leptonyx |
21. Antarctic krill
Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a species of small swimming crustacean found in the Antarctic waters.
They are commonly seen living in large schools, or swarms, which can reach up to 10-30 thousand individual animals per cubic metre.
This species feeds directly on tiny phytoplankton and uses their primary production energy as food source.
Krills have become an important part of many marine ecosystems due to its abundance and wide distribution across the ocean floor.
Not only do they serve as prey for larger fish and mammals such as whales, seals and penguins but also make up a significant portion of the diet for other sea creatures like squid and octopuses.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum | Crustacea |
| Class | Malacostraca |
| Order | Euphausiacea |
| Family | Euphausiidae |
| Genus | Euphausia |
| Species | E. superba |
22. Kairuku grebneffi
Kairuku grebneffi was an extinct genus of penguin that lived about 27 million years ago in New Zealand.
It is believed to be the earliest species of penguin ever found, and its remains have been discovered from fossils in Kokoamu Greensand Formation.
The name "Kairuku" comes from two Māori words: kai (“food”) and ruku (“to dive"), while waewaeroa refers to their legs.
They were probably around the size of a modern-day Adelie Penguin but with shorter wings, which meant they had poor swimming capabilities compared to other contemporary species.
Although we know little else about them, it's likely these ancient birds still managed to make a living by diving for food nearby shorelines or catching prey on land like most other modern-day species do today.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Genus | †Kairuku Ksepka, Fordyce, Ando & Jones, 2012 |
23. Spheniscus anglicus
Spheniscus anglicus is an extinct species of banded penguin that lived during the Late Miocene in South America. Discovered in 2015, its holotype material consists of a fossil skull without a beak and it was described as smaller than the emperor penguin.
Its exact location was found to be the Bahia Inglesa Formation in northern Chile. It is believed this bird could have been similar to extant specimens such as macaroni or rockhopper penguins due to their shared habitat preferences for temperate climates close by coastal areas with rocky terrain.
Despite being long gone from our world, Spheniscus anglicus continues to hold great significance among researchers seeking insight into how modern-day birds evolved over time.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | †S. anglicus |
24. Eudyptes warhami
Eudyptes warhami, more commonly known as the Chatham penguin, was an endemic species of crested penguin that once lived in the Chatham Islands of New Zealand.
Sadly it has become extinct within 150-200 years after Polynesians arrived due to hunting and habitat destruction.
The only way we can learn about this bird is through subfossil bones discovered around its native land.
In appearance, this bird had a distinctive crest on top of its head with yellowish stripes along its crown and face.
Its body was covered in black feathers which slowly turned into white underneath for insulation purposes during colder weather conditions or when swimming underwater for food such as small fish or squid.
It truly was a remarkable creature.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptes |
| Species | †E. warhami |
25. Aptenodytes ridgeni
Aptenodytes ridgeni, also known as Ridgen's penguin, is an extinct species of bird that lived in the Pliocene period of New Zealand. This species was smaller than its living relatives and stood at around 90-100 cm tall.
It was first discovered by 11 year old schoolboy Alan Ridgen who found it on a beach in Canterbury region in 1968.
Aptenodytes ridgeni inhabited both marine and terrestrial habitats during their lifetime but were mainly aquatic birds that used to spend most of their time swimming or diving for food like small fish, squid and crustaceans.
They had black plumage with white patches on either side which helped them blend into deep water when hunting for prey and evade predators more easily.
Sadly this unique species went extinct due to climate change thousands of years ago leaving behind only fossilized remains as evidence of its existence
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Aptenodytes |
| Species | A. ridgeni |
26. Archaeospheniscus wimani
Archaeospheniscus wimani is an extinct species of penguin that lived in Antarctica during the Eocene period. It was small, measuring just 75 to 85 centimetres (30 to 33 in) tall - roughly equivalent to a gentoo penguin today.
Its remains were discovered on Seymour Island and it is believed to be the oldest known species within its genus. Archaeospheniscus wimani likely fed mainly on fish, squid and other marine animals like most other modern-day penguins do.
Although this particular type of ancient bird no longer exists today, many similar species are still around for us humans to observe and appreciate their beauty.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | †Archaeospheniscus |
| Species | †A. wimani |
27. Great auk
The great auk was an extraordinary flightless alcid bird that became extinct in the mid-19th century. It is unrelated to present day penguins, which were named after it because of their physical resemblance.
These majestic birds nested on rocky remote islands with easy access and could reach heights up to 75cm tall.
They had white underbellies, black heads and wings as well as bright yellow beaks. Great auks were strong swimmers who fed mainly on fish but also ate other aquatic animals such as molluscs, crabs and worms while they roamed over vast areas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sadly this species has been lost forever due to human exploitation; hunting for food or eggs drove them into extinction far too quickly before any conservation efforts could take place.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | †Pinguinus Bonnaterre, 1791 |
| Species | †P. impennis |