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Birds: Penguin
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Penguins are easy to identify with their stout, waddling bodies and black-and-white feathers. They are extremely social and don't seem to fear humans. Because of the size of these seabirds (the king penguin weighs roughly 30 pounds while the emperor weighs up to 90 pounds), penguins used to be killed for their meat and eggs. These flightless birds were also easy targets for humans who made clothing decorations out of their feathers.
Penguins have adapted to many climates in the southern hemisphere. From the warmth of the Galapagos Islands to the bitter chill of Antarctica, penguins are also found in Africa and New Zealand. In the warmer climates, penguins remain cool by staying in the water. In the cold, penguins survive because of a layer of fat beneath their feathers.
Different species have different diets, reducing competition. Smaller penguins (Adelies) feed on small krill, larger penguins (like chinstraps) eat larger krill, and the emperors and kings eat fish and squid.
Penguins are among the most social birds. Some species court on land and nest in huge colonies called rookeries. These rookeries can contain hundreds of thousands of penguins. Penguins communicate through extensive vocalizations and physical behaviors that tell others about nesting territories and mating. They also warn against intruders.
Penguins can survive for more than 100 days without food or water. Every year, penguins build up a layer of fat to prepare them for fasting. Since penguins don't leave the nesting areas to feed, some species go through the entire courtship, nesting, and incubation period without food or water. For male king penguins, this period lasts for 55 days. For the male emperor penguin, the fast can last up to 120 days.
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All 17 species of penguins are legally protected from egg collecting and hunting, although illegal egg harvesting still occurs.
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