King Penguin [Aptenodytes patagonicus]
Description
The King Penguin is the second largest species of penguin, smaller, but similar in appearance to the Emperor Penguin. They have a broad cheek patch contrasting with surrounding dark feathers and underparts are white to pale silver-grey, with a black, sharply demarcated edge on the breast. This species breeds on subantarctic islands between 45 and 55°S, at the northern reaches of Antarctica, as well as Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and other temperate islands of the region. King Penguins eat small fish, mainly lanternfish, and squid and rely less than most Southern Ocean predators on krill and other crustaceans. On foraging trips, king penguins repeatedly dive to over 100 metres (330 ft), often over 200 metres (660 ft).
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Birds
Aves
|
| Order |
Penguins
Sphenisciformes
|
| Family |
Penguins
Spheniscidae
|
| Genus |
King Penguins
Aptenodytes
|