The Penguin
Penguins are charming birds that cannot fly but are remarkably skilled swimmers, spending most of their lives in the water. Penguins range in size but are distinguished by their black and white bodies, short, sturdy bodies, and sleek feathers that keep them warm in cold climates. They often slide on their bellies across the ice, which is not only cute but energy-efficient too. These social birds live in large colonies, known as rookeries, for warmth and security.
| Penguin | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.1-3.7 feet (0.33-1.1 meters) |
| Weight | 2-88 lbs (1-40 kg) |
| Speed | 4.97mph (8km/h) |
| Key Strength | Agile in water |
| Biggest Weakness | Awkward on land |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscidae |
| Family | Aves |
| Habitat | Marine and Terrestrial |
| Geography | Southern Hemisphere, particularly Antarctica |
| Diet | Fish, squid, and krill |
| Lifespan | 15 years - 20 years |
The Penguin
Penguins are charming birds that cannot fly but are remarkably skilled swimmers, spending most of their lives in the water. Penguins range in size but are distinguished by their black and white bodies, short, sturdy bodies, and sleek feathers that keep them warm in cold climates. They often slide on their bellies across the ice, which is not only cute but energy-efficient too. These social birds live in large colonies, known as rookeries, for warmth and security.
Fun Fact: Despite their lack of flight capability, penguins can dive impressive depths - Emperor Penguins, for example, can dive up to 1,850 feet deep!
| Penguin | |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.1-3.7 feet (0.33-1.1 meters) |
| Weight | 2-88 lbs (1-40 kg) |
| Speed | 4.97mph (8km/h) |
| Key Strength | Agile in water |
| Biggest Weakness | Awkward on land |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscidae |
| Family | Aves |
| Habitat | Marine and Terrestrial |
| Geography | Southern Hemisphere, particularly Antarctica |
| Diet | Fish, squid, and krill |
| Lifespan | 15 years - 20 years |
Fun Fact: Penguins have an extra eyelid, called the nictitating membrane, which is like built-in goggles and helps keep their eyes safe and clear when they're swimming.
Fun Fact: When it's very cold, penguins gather together in groups called 'huddles' to keep warm - sometimes these huddles can have thousands of penguins in them!