Penguins Frequently Asked Questions:

Are penguins birds?

Yes, penguins are birds; they have feathers, lay eggs and have bills (or beaks) and no teeth. They are also warm-blooded (endothermic) and have forelimbs modified as wings (or in the case of a penguin, flippers).

Do penguins fly?

No, penguins use their wings (or flippers) to propel themselves through the water rather than air. Their wings are shorter and stouter than wings of flying birds. Penguins are also much heavier than similar sized flying birds and have solid bones rather than weight saving air-filled bones.

Do penguins bite?

Yes, penguins defend themselves and their nest sites with their bills and wings. They bite fiercely and use their wings to beat their opponent. Blue penguins often fight during the breeding season.

How deep can a penguin dive?

The ability of a penguin to dive is related to its size – the bigger the penguin, the longer it can hold its breath and the deeper it can dive. Blue penguins can only manage 2 minutes and a maximum of 60m, while emperor penguins can dive for up to 18 minutes and get to 550m.

Do all penguins live at the South Pole?

There are actually no penguins that live at the South Pole but two species do live near the edges of the Antarctic continent. Islands surrounding Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands support the largest numbers of penguins. However, there are also penguins living in temperate climates such as the Galapagos. No penguins live naturally in the northern hemisphere.

How do penguins feed their young?

Penguins store food in their stomach and it is regurgitated to the chicks. They do not feed each other and may stay ashore without feeding for many days.