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Penguins

Spheniscidae

Penguins are flightless seabirds in the order Sphenisciformes (family Spheniscidae) that live almost entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. Some species live on the Antarctic continent, and the majority breed on islands and coasts farther north. One species, the Galápagos penguin, lives at the Equator and can range slightly north of it. Penguins are highly adapted for life in the water. They have dark backs and white undersides (countershading), and their wings are modified into flippers for swimming rather than flight. Most species feed on krill, fish, squid, and other marine animals, though diet varies by species and region. Many penguins spend most of their time at sea (or ice), coming ashore mainly to breed, molt, and raise chicks.

Penguins are flightless seabirds in the order Sphenisciformes (family Spheniscidae) that live almost entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. Some species live on the Antarctic continent, and the majority breed on islands and coasts farther north. One species, the Galápagos penguin, lives at the Equator and can range slightly north of it. Penguins are highly adapted for life in the water. They have dark backs and white undersides (countershading), and their wings are modified into flippers for swimming rather than flight. Most species feed on krill, fish, squid, and other marine animals, though diet varies by species and region. Many penguins spend most of their time at sea (or ice), coming ashore mainly to breed, molt, and raise chicks.