In the Coldest Corners, They Thrive – Meet the Penguins

Penguins are flightless birds that mostly live in the Southern Hemisphere. The most well-known species is the Emperor penguin, which is specially adapted to the cold climate of Antarctica. Penguins have a torpedo-shaped body, which helps them move quickly and efficiently in water. Their wings have evolved into flippers, allowing them to swim instead of fly.

Penguins mainly feed on fish, squid, and krill. They can swim at speeds of 15–20 km per hour. Some species live in warmer regions as well—the Galapagos penguin, for example, lives near the equator.

Penguins are social animals and live in large colonies, often working together to protect their young. In Emperor penguins, the male takes care of the egg for about two months after the female lays it, going without food the entire time.

Their black backs and white bellies help them stay camouflaged from predators in the water, a pattern known as counter-shading.