The Emperor Penguin

The tallest and heaviest penguin in the world is the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). The total population is about 200,000 breeding pairs. Emperor penguins can mate when they are 4 years old and can live to be 20 years of age.The Emperor penguin generally lives in Antarctica and is the only species of penguin that is reproduces during an Antarctic winter. Because of the Emperor penguin's location, the Emperor Penguin generally consumes crustaceans. However, the Emperor Penguin occasionally eats squid and tiny fish.

Although some Emperor Penguins have lived for 40 years, that is very uncommon, as 20 years is the expected lifespan.

Be careful not to confuse the Royal Penguin or the Emperor Penguin to the Emperor Penguin. However, all three are related.

The height of the Emperor Penguin varies. Some adults reach six feet. However, most reach only four feet. Because the Emperor Penguin's weight ranges between 44 to 99 pounds, the penguin is in the running for the heaviest penguin, coming in fifth place. The Emperor Penguin has tiny wings that help each to dive up to nine-hundred feet, in an effort to catch large fish.

The Emperor Penguin has black wings, a white abdomen, and a blue/gray back, and a purple bill. Two gold stripes are on the side of the Emperor Penguin's neck.

To insulate its body, the Emperor Penguin has a coat of feathers, which is very thick. However, under the wings and the legs do not have the thick, waterproof layer of feathers. In addition to the feathers, they also have immense amounts of body oil, which assists in keeping each penguin dry.
One is able to distinguish between the male and female Emperor Penguin by his/her distinct call.
The Emperor Penguin travels just over fifty miles to the breeding site. The Emperor Penguin only has mate per year, and belong exclusively to that mate. Regardless, the following year most Emperor Penguins find a new mate.

When June arrives, the female penguin lays one one pound egg. Because she needs to return to sea to feed, she carefully gives the egg to the male, and in turn he keeps the egg warm for just above sixty days. After nearly two months, the female makes her return. Because of her mate's unique call, she locates him amongst the hundreds of other penguins and resumes taking care of the egg. The male then leaves and returns to the sea, only to repeat this process the following year.