Antarctica
Emperor Penguin
Meet the Emperor Penguin! It's the biggest penguin of them all, and it lives and raises its babies right on the ice of Antarctica, one of the coldest places on Earth.
Why is it special?
It is the tallest and heaviest penguin species, standing almost as tall as a first-grader!
It's an amazing diver, able to swim deeper than almost any other bird on Earth.
How does it live?
Emperor penguin dads balance the family's one egg on their feet and keep it warm under a cozy flap of skin for about two months, without eating.
While dads guard the egg through the dark winter, moms travel far out to sea to hunt for fish and squid.
Amazing facts
Emperor penguins can dive over 1,800 feet deep — deeper than almost any other bird.
They can hold their breath underwater for more than 20 minutes.
Quick facts
- Emperor penguins can dive over 1,800 feet deep — deeper than almost any other bird.
- They can hold their breath underwater for more than 20 minutes.
- A group of penguins on land is called a waddle, and in water it's called a raft.
- Emperor penguin chicks are covered in soft, fluffy grey down to stay warm.