Penguins | Spheniscidae

Penguins | Spheniscidae

Description
Description

Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds belonging to the family Spheniscidae. Known for their distinctive black and white plumage and waddling gait, they are primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere, with a strong presence in Antarctica. Penguins are superbly adapted to marine life; their wings have evolved into flippers for swimming, and they have streamlined bodies for efficient movement in water. While they spend about half of their lives in the ocean, they breed and molt on land or ice. Penguins' evolution dates back at least 60 million years, with a variety of species adapted to differing climates, from icy shores to tropical islands.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Penguins are unique birds with a torpedo-shaped body ideal for swimming. Their wings have evolved into flippers used for powerful strokes underwater, while their webbed feet act as rudders. Penguins have dense bones, helping them stay submerged. They're covered in a layer of insulating feathers to keep warm in icy waters. On land, they waddle upright or slide on their bellies. Penguins communicate through vocalizations and body movements, each species with distinct calls. Their sharp vision is attuned to underwater life, though less effective on land. Their sense of smell isn't well developed, but it's believed they use it to navigate and locate breeding sites.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have long been fascinated with penguins, their unique behavior inspiring affection and curiosity. Indigenous peoples in penguin habitats initially hunted them for food and oil. In modern times, penguins frequently appear in documentaries, films, and cartoons, symbolizing both comedic and endearing qualities, with characters like Pingu and movies like "Happy Feet" being cultural staples.

Tourism to penguin habitats has become popular, though it's regulated to protect these creatures. Conservation efforts are critical as climate change and overfishing threaten their food sources. Organizations worldwide work to preserve their habitats and promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure penguin populations thrive.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do penguins eat?

Penguins typically eat the prey that is available in their habitat. King and Emperor Penguins mostly eat fish, but may also eat krill, crustaceans, and cephalopods. The diet of Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins mostly made up of Antarctic krill, silverfish, and glacial squid.

Why can’t penguins fly?

Although penguins are classified birds, their wings are more suited for water. A penguin’s wings are more like flippers and allow them to swim in the water. While they are on land their wings help them keep their balance and walk. Scientist believe penguins lost the ability to fly through evolution.

How do penguins stay warm?

Penguins stay warm through a layer of fat that protects them and serves as insulation while they are in the cold water. While they are on land the layers of overlapping feathers keep them warm, and protect them from harsh weather conditions.

Animals

* Under Development *

18”-28” | 46-71 cm
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
11-20 years
Adélie Penguin
71.000
6.000
20.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Adélie Penguin
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
10-30 years
African Penguin
69.000
22.000
4.000
30.00
23350
GUIDE
3D
African Penguin
27”-30” | 68-76 cm
7-12 lb | 3.2-5.3 kg
15-20 years
Chinstrap Penguin
76.000
5.300
20.00
6900
GUIDE
3D
Chinstrap Penguin
43”-51” | 110-130 cm
49-99 lb | 22-45 kg
15-20 years
Emperor Penguin
130.000
45.000
20.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Penguin
20”-26” | 51-66 cm
9.4”-11.8” | 24-30 cm
6-13 lb | 2.7-5.9 kg
10-20 years
Erect-Crested Penguin
66.000
30.000
5.900
20.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Erect-Crested Penguin
21”-23” | 53-58 cm
7.9”-9.1” | 20-23 cm
4.4-13.2 lb | 2-6 kg
10-20 years
Fiordland Penguin
58.000
23.000
6.000
20.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Fiordland Penguin
18”-21” | 46-53 cm
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
3.5-6 lb | 1.6-2.7 kg
15-20 years
Galápagos Penguin
53.000
17.000
2.700
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
Galápagos Penguin
20”-35” | 51-90 cm
11-19 lb | 4.9-8.5 kg
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
90.000
8.500
20.00
9900
GUIDE
3D
Gentoo Penguin
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
10-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
71.000
24.000
6.000
20.00
11200
GUIDE
3D
Humboldt Penguin
28”-39” | 70-100 cm
21-40 lb | 9.3-18 kg
15-30 years
King Penguin
100.000
18.000
30.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
King Penguin
63”-67” | 160-170 cm
17.7”-19.3” | 45-49 cm
198-220 lb | 90-100 kg
Kumimanu
170.000
49.000
100.000
750
GUIDE
3D
Kumimanu
12”-15” | 30.5-38 cm
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
2-3.5 lb | .9-1.6 kg
5-7 years
Little Penguin
38.000
15.000
1.600
7.00
19800
GUIDE
3D
Little Penguin
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
7-14 lb | 3.2-6.4 kg
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
69.000
6.400
20.00
15000
GUIDE
3D
Macaroni Penguin
24”-30” | 61-76 cm
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
5.5-14.3 lb | 2.5-6.5 kg
20-30 years
Magellanic Penguin
76.000
27.000
6.500
30.00
8400
GUIDE
3D
Magellanic Penguin
16”-18” | 41-46 cm
6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm
4-10 lb | 1.8-4.5 kg
10-30 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
46.000
19.000
4.500
30.00
2070
GUIDE
3D
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
26”-30” | 66-76 cm
9.8”-11.4” | 25-29 cm
8.8-14.3 lb | 4-6.5 kg
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
76.000
29.000
6.500
30.00
4400
GUIDE
3D
Royal Penguin
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
7.9”-10.2” | 20-26 cm
5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
15-20 years
Snares Penguin
71.000
26.000
4.500
20.00
260
GUIDE
3D
Snares Penguin
25”-39” | 65-100 cm
6.3”-10.2” | 16-26 cm
22-66 lb | 10-30 kg
Waimanu
100.000
26.000
30.000
540
GUIDE
3D
Waimanu
24”-31” | 61-79 cm
8.3”-11” | 21-28 cm
8-18 lb | 3.6-8.2 kg
10-25 years
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
79.000
28.000
8.200
25.00
6100
GUIDE
3D
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Humboldt Penguin to a typical person and similar penguins

The migrant Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) got its name from the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. It is medium-sized and endemic to South America, especially on the western side. Male and females are differentiated by head width, and bill length as males possess longer bills. The feathers on the chest are white, and those on the back are blackish-grey. The head is black but with white stripes under the eyes. These stripes also wrap around the head and connect at the chin. It is differentiated from other species that it co-exists with, like the Magellan penguin by a solid, black breast band. This feature also separates it from juveniles that have no breast-bands. The Humboldt penguin shows different vocalizations for communicating in different ways.

Humboldt Penguins have an overall height between 24”-28” (61-71 cm) and body width of 7.9”-9.4” (20-24 cm). The typical weight of the Humboldt Penguin is in the range of 8-13 lb (3.6-6 kg). Humboldt Penguins have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Humboldt Penguin in front and side poses
The migrant Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) got its name from the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. It is medium-sized and endemic to South America, especially on the western side. Male and females are differentiated by head width, and bill length as males possess longer bills.

Humboldt Penguins have an overall height between 24”-28” (61-71 cm) and body width of 7.9”-9.4” (20-24 cm). The typical weight of the Humboldt Penguin is in the range of 8-13 lb (3.6-6 kg). Humboldt Penguins have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Humboldt Penguin in front and side poses
Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)
Height:
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
Width:
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
8-13 lb | 3.6-6 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Spheniscus humboldti
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Humboldt Penguin side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua)
Elevation drawing with dimensions of the Gentoo Penguin compared to the size of an average person

The Gentoo penguin, sometimes known as the Johnny penguin, is characterized by the large trumpeting call that it makes with its head thrown back. Other distinguishing factors include the wide white stripe that extends over the top of the penguins’ head, and its bright orange-red bill. Gentoo penguins have the most prominent tails of all penguin species. The species is most closely related to the Adélie penguin and the Chinstrap penguin. They are the third largest penguin species, and the fastest underwater swimmers of all penguin species, reaching speeds of 22 miles per hour.

The Gentoo Penguin has an average height range of 20”-35” (51-90 cm), weight of 11-19 lb (4.9-8.5 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of elevation drawings of the Gentoo Penguin in an assortment of postures from the front, back, and side views
The Gentoo penguin is characterized by the large trumpeting call that it makes with its head thrown back. Other distinguishing factors include the wide white stripe that extends over the top of the penguins’ head, its bright orange-red bill, and the most prominent tail of all penguin species.

The Gentoo Penguin has an average height range of 20”-35” (51-90 cm), weight of 11-19 lb (4.9-8.5 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of elevation drawings of the Gentoo Penguin in an assortment of postures from the front, back, and side views
Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua)
Height:
20”-35” | 51-90 cm
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
11-19 lb | 4.9-8.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Pygoscelis papua
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:
Gentoo Penguin standing (side), looking (side), standing (back), walking (side), standing (front), standing (winter woman)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Dimensioned size comparison drawing of the King Penguin compared to the height of an average man

The King Penguin is the second largest penguin species; slightly smaller than the Emperor Penguin, the King Penguin is similar in appearance to that of the Emperor Penguin, but it can be distinguished by its straighter bill and sleeker body. King penguins breed on the Sub Antarctic islands on the northern regions of Antarctica, South Georgia, as well as other temperate islands; they are classified under least concern conservation status. The species’ diet consists of mostly laternfish, squid, and krill, and King Penguins can dive over 300 feet to catch their prey.

The King Penguin has an average height range of 28”-39” (70-100 cm), weight of 21-40 lb (9.3-18 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-30 years.

Series of drawings of King Penguins in various postures from walking to standing and looking
The King Penguin is the second largest penguin species; slightly smaller than the Emperor Penguin, the King Penguin is similar in appearance to that of the Emperor Penguin, but it can be distinguished by its straighter bill and sleeker body. King Penguins can dive over 300 feet to catch their prey.

The King Penguin has an average height range of 28”-39” (70-100 cm), weight of 21-40 lb (9.3-18 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-30 years.

Series of drawings of King Penguins in various postures from walking to standing and looking
King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Height:
28”-39” | 70-100 cm
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
21-40 lb | 9.3-18 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:
King Penguin standing (side), looking (side), standing (back), walking (side), standing (front), standing (winter man)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)
Comparison drawing of the African Penguin compared to other similar penguins and a person

Native to southern African waters, the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) exists in large colonies. This is the only species of penguin found in Africa and is sometimes called South African penguins, Cape penguins, black-footed penguins, or jackass penguins. It produces loud donkey-like bays. Each penguin has a unique black stripe and spot on the chest. But that's not all; what makes them easy to point out are the black feet, black facial masks, and pink patches of skin above the eyes. In addition, the upper part of the body is black, in contrast to the white underpart with black spots and markings.

African Penguins have an overall height between 24”-27” (61-69 cm) and body width of 7.5”-8.7” (19-22 cm). The typical weight of the African Penguin is in the range of 4.4-8.8 lb (2-4 kg). African Penguins have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the African Penguin viewed from the side and front
Native to southern African waters, the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) exists in large colonies. This is the only species of penguin found in Africa and is sometimes called South African penguins, Cape penguins, black-footed penguins, or jackass penguins. It produces loud donkey-like bays.

African Penguins have an overall height between 24”-27” (61-69 cm) and body width of 7.5”-8.7” (19-22 cm). The typical weight of the African Penguin is in the range of 4.4-8.8 lb (2-4 kg). African Penguins have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the African Penguin viewed from the side and front
African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)
Height:
24”-27” | 61-69 cm
Width:
7.5”-8.7” | 19-22 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Spheniscus demersus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

African Penguin side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi)
Scale illustration of an average Northern Rockhopper Penguin compared to a human and similar penguins

The Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) inhabits mostly the southern Indian and the Atlantic ocean. It is also called the Moseley's penguin or Moseley's rockhopper penguin. This penguin has high vocal and visual communication signals such as loud bray, slapping each other with their flippers, and bowing and preening movements. The head and dorsal surface have black feathers, while the belly and chest are white. The eyes are bright red, bill orange-red, thicker and heavier in males, while the head plumes are long and yellow. The edges of the black flippers are white, while the feet are pink with black or grey claws. Juveniles have less showy plumage.

Northern Rockhopper Penguins have an overall height between 16”-18” (41-46 cm) and body width of 6.3”-7.5” (16-19 cm). The typical weight of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is in the range of 4-10 lb (1.8-4.5 kg). Northern Rockhopper Penguins have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin seen from the side and front
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) inhabits mostly the southern Indian and the Atlantic ocean. It is also called the Moseley's penguin or Moseley's rockhopper penguin. This penguin has high vocal and visual communication signals such as loud bray and slapping each other.

Northern Rockhopper Penguins have an overall height between 16”-18” (41-46 cm) and body width of 6.3”-7.5” (16-19 cm). The typical weight of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is in the range of 4-10 lb (1.8-4.5 kg). Northern Rockhopper Penguins have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin seen from the side and front
Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi)
Height:
16”-18” | 41-46 cm
Width:
6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
4-10 lb | 1.8-4.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Eudyptes moseleyi
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Northern Rockhopper Penguin side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads