Friday, February 17, 2012

Emperor Penguins

Emperors are the largest of all penguins - an average bird stands 45 inches tall,
They are flightless animals and they live on the antarctic ice and the surrounding waters.

Penguins employ physiological adaptations and cooperative behavior in order to deal with and incredible harsh environment where wind chills can reach -76f
They huddle together to escape wind and conserve warmth Individuals take turns moving to the group's protected and relatively toasty interior. Once a penguin has warmed a bit it will move to the perimeter of the group so that others can enjoy protection from the icy elements.

Emperor penguins spend the long winter on the open ice and even breed during this harsh season.

Females lay a single egg then leave it behind they undertake an extended hunting trip that lasts some two months, females my need to travel some 5o miles just to reach the open ocean, they will feed on fish, squid and krill.

Emperor penguins can dive 1,850 feet ( deeper than any other bird) and can stay under for more than 20 minutes

Male Emperors keep the eggs warm by balancing them on their feet and covering them with feathered skin known as a brood pouch.

During this two months of baby sitting the males eat nothing and are at the mercy of the Antarctic elements.

When females return to the breeding site they have a belly full of food that they regurgitate for the newly hatched chicks their duty down the males take to the sea in search of food for themselves.


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