Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 2481660

King Penguin

Aptenodytes patagonicus

King penguins assemble in massive, noisy breeding colonies numbering hundreds of thousands across subantarctic islands. They do not build nests, instead carrying a single egg on top of their feet under a warm belly flap of skin for over two months. Chicks grow a dense, brown down coat so distinct from their sleek parents that early explorers mistook them for a different species.

FlightlessColonialSubantarctic
King Penguin reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Lanternfish
  • Squid
  • Krill
Predators
  • Leopard seals
  • Orcas
  • Giant petrels
ThreatsClimate change, marine heatwaves, and shifting prey distributions
HabitatsSubantarctic islands, beaches, and open ocean
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderSphenisciformes
  2. FamilySpheniscidae
  3. GenusAptenodytes
  4. SpeciesAptenodytes patagonicus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by bright orange neck patches, silvery-grey backs, and dense gatherings on Subantarctic beaches.
Support conservation
Remain strictly on designated paths, never walk through the colony, and give commuting birds the right of way.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Distance: Maintain a respectful distance of at least five meters to avoid displacing incubating adults.
  • Path Right-of-Way: Yield the path to penguins traveling between the ocean and their breeding grounds.
  • Quiet Presence: Keep voices low and refrain from sudden movements around dense nesting groups.
Related species
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