King Penguin - Definition and Overview

The King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second largest species of penguin at about 90cm tall and 11 to 15kg weight, second only to the Emperor Penguin. There is a world population of approximately four million King Penguins, divided into two subspecies (A. p. patagonicus and A. p. halli).

King penguins eat small fish, krill, crustaceans and squid. They feed in groups and, like many large penguins, are able to stay underwater for extended periods.

They may be found in the northern reaches of Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands, and other temperate islands of the region.

External link

• King penguins from the International Penguin Conservation Web Site (http://www.penguins.cl/king-penguins.htm)
• King Penguins from the Animal Diversity Web (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Aptenodytes_patagonicus.html)