Chinstrap Penguin
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Penguin

Penguins (order Sphenisciformes, family Spheniscidae) are an order of flightless birds living in the southern hemisphere. more...

more...

Species and habitats

There are 17 or 18 known species worldwide, depending on whether the two Eudyptula species are counted as distinct. more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
BirdBird
Blue JayBlue Jay
CardinalCardinal
DoveDove
FinchFinch
OstrichOstrich
PelicanPelican
PenguinPenguin
PigeonPigeon
CatCat
DinosaurDinosaur
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile


Although all penguin species are native to the southern hemisphere, they are not, contrary to popular belief, found only in cold climates, such as Antarctica. In fact, only a few species of penguin actually live so far south. Three species live in the tropics; one lives as far north as the Galápagos Islands and will occasionally cross the equator while feeding.

The largest species is the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri): adults average about 1.1 meters (3 ft 7 in) tall and weigh 35 kilograms (75 lb) or more. The smallest penguin species is the Little Blue Penguin (also known as the Fairy Penguin), which stands around 40 cm tall (16 in) and weighs 1 kilogram (2.2 lb). Generally larger penguins retain heat better, and thus inhabit colder regions, while smaller penguins are found in temperate or even tropical climates.

Penguins are gregarious. Most feed on krill, fish, squid, and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. They spend half of their life on land and half in the oceans.

When it comes to the gender ratio between male and female penguins in the wild, there are usually far more female penguins than males. Scientists speculate that this is because the male must endure the harshest role in the caretaking of a couple's egg. While the female takes a dangerous journey to eat, as well as store food in her body for the baby, the male must keep the egg warm and endure the extremely harsh climate, unable to eat for up to four months. When the female eventually returns,the male will have lost half his body weight. After the female returns and takes care of the egg, the male must now go off to find food, as he will be on the brink of starvation. Being weakened by the lack of food, many of the males will not return to see their families again.

Due to the gender ratio, penguins are one of the few species on the planet whose females fight over single males during mating season, due to the comparatively low number of male penguins.

One of the most baffling forms of behaviorof the penguin comes when a mother loses her chick, either due to its being unable to endure its first storm, or due to other reasons such as predators. When a mother loses its chick, they have been known to actually attempt to steal another mother's living chick- presumably in order to deal with the grief of the loss. This behavior has amazed scientists, as it is an emotional outburst opposed to an instinctual behavior; something many animals do not exhibit when losing their young. Many have used this as prime evidence for decades that many animals have near human-like emotions and feelings, often for the sake of animal rights.

Evolution

Penguins are actually very old birds. The oldest fossils of penguins emerged in the Eocene era more than 40 million years ago. However these fossils proved that prehistoric penguins were already flightless and seagoing, so their origins may go as far back as 65 million years ago

Anatomy

Penguins are superbly adapted to an aquatic life. Their wings have become flippers, useless for flight in the air. In the water, however, penguins are astonishingly agile. Within the smooth plumage a layer of air is preserved, ensuring buoyancy. The air layer also helps insulate the bird in the icy waters of the Antarctic. The plumage of penguins in tropical and temperate zones is much thinner.

On land, penguins use their tails and wings to maintain balance for their upright stance.

All penguins have a white underside and a dark (mostly black) upperside. This is for camouflage. A predator looking up from below (such as an orca or a leopard seal) has difficulty distinguishing between a white penguin belly and the reflective water surface.

Diving penguins reach 6 to 12 km/h, though there are reports of velocities of 27 km/h (which are probably realistic in the case of startled flight). The small penguins do not usually dive deep; they catch their prey near the surface in dives that normally last only one or two minutes. Larger penguins can dive deep in case of need. The Emperor Penguin has been recorded reaching a depth of 875 feet (270 metres) and staying submerged for 18 minutes.

On land, penguins are clumsy. They either waddle on their feet or slide on their bellies across the snow, a movement called "tobogganing", which allows them to conserve energy and move relatively fast at the same time.

Penguins have an excellent sense of hearing. Their eyes are adapted for underwater vision, and are their primary means of locating prey and avoiding predators; in air, conversely, they are nearsighted. Their sense of smell has not been researched so far.

They are able to drink salt water safely, because a gland near their eyes filters excess salt from the bloodstream. The salt is excreted in a concentrated fluid from the nasal passages.

Penguins have no external genitalia. Consequently, chromosome testing must be done in order to determine a penguin's sex.

Mating Habits

Most penguins mate for life. They generally raise a small brood, and the parents cooperate in caring for the clutch and for the young.

Gallery

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

Vintage Emperor Penguin Porcelain Figurine Brightly Colored Japan?Vintage Emperor Penguin Porcelain Figurine Brightly Colored Japan? $4.00 Andrea by Sadek Emperor Penguin bird figurine gray blue white 75Q4Andrea by Sadek Emperor Penguin bird figurine gray blue white 75Q4 $59.00
New Lego Penguin in Igloo Set bird snow animal winter sceneNew Lego Penguin in Igloo Set bird snow animal winter scene $15.99 Penguin Bird Wildlife Animal Lapel Pin Badge 1/2 X 1.1 InchesPenguin Bird Wildlife Animal Lapel Pin Badge 1/2 X 1.1 Inches $5.84
Carved Miniature Penguin Decoy Artic Bird signed Rick MaetzCarved Miniature Penguin Decoy Artic Bird signed Rick Maetz $165.00 $42.99
Penguin Bird Figure Green Winter Christmas Sled Snowboard Sport snowboardingPenguin Bird Figure Green Winter Christmas Sled Snowboard Sport snowboarding $39.99 New ListingFeather Friends Penguin Bird Christmas Winter Green 6" Styrofoam FormNew ListingFeather Friends Penguin Bird Christmas Winter Green 6" Styrofoam Form $7.99
Penguin Bird Black and Brown 2.5" t signed potteryPenguin Bird Black and Brown 2.5" t signed pottery $22.00 Signed Mexico Mateos Pottery Penguin Bird Hand Painted Folk ArtSigned Mexico Mateos Pottery Penguin Bird Hand Painted Folk Art $29.00
Brass Penguin Bird Figurine Small Animal Statue Office Home Decoration Toy GiftsBrass Penguin Bird Figurine Small Animal Statue Office Home Decoration Toy Gifts $18.99 Handmade Rattan Weave Huge Penguin Bird Ice World Sea Kids Room Nest Basket WickHandmade Rattan Weave Huge Penguin Bird Ice World Sea Kids Room Nest Basket Wick $49.94
Penguin Figurine with Ornate Details Handmade Arctic Bird Collectible WhimsicalPenguin Figurine with Ornate Details Handmade Arctic Bird Collectible Whimsical $16.00 Penguin Bird 2 pc Wood Decor Set Holiday Tabletop Wooden Standing Figures ModernPenguin Bird 2 pc Wood Decor Set Holiday Tabletop Wooden Standing Figures Modern $75.99
4 Penguin Figurines Different Poses Bird Cute Shelf-Sitter Rustic Emperor Resin4 Penguin Figurines Different Poses Bird Cute Shelf-Sitter Rustic Emperor Resin $30.00 Ikea Katarina Brieditis Blue Bird Penguin Ceramic Statue Modern Abstract Art 13"Ikea Katarina Brieditis Blue Bird Penguin Ceramic Statue Modern Abstract Art 13" $25.00
Vintage Ceramic Penguin figurineVintage Ceramic Penguin figurine $7.39 Emperor Penguin On Rock Statue 4.5" Bird Decor Figurine Metal 2.2 lbsEmperor Penguin On Rock Statue 4.5" Bird Decor Figurine Metal 2.2 lbs $28.50
Judith Leiber- Nesting Penguin Judith Leiber Penguin Bird Evening Bag Crystal MiJudith Leiber- Nesting Penguin Judith Leiber Penguin Bird Evening Bag Crystal Mi $4,000.00 Gold Tone Metal Silver-Clear Pave Rhinestone Penguin Bird Brooch-Pendant 2”Gold Tone Metal Silver-Clear Pave Rhinestone Penguin Bird Brooch-Pendant 2” $4.99
#29974 El | Magellanic Penguin Taxidermy Bird Mount For Sale#29974 El | Magellanic Penguin Taxidermy Bird Mount For Sale $6,620.00 Sterling Silver Penguin Bird Pendant 5.3g [8449]Sterling Silver Penguin Bird Pendant 5.3g [8449] $44.95
Schleich Germany 2009 Emperor Penguin Chicks Baby Birds Figurine Retired 14618Schleich Germany 2009 Emperor Penguin Chicks Baby Birds Figurine Retired 14618 $10.00 🦋 Mint Herend Penguins on Ice Black Fishnet Penguin Bird Figurine ($810)🦋 Mint Herend Penguins on Ice Black Fishnet Penguin Bird Figurine ($810) $399.00
Vintage Heavy Brass Bronze Penguin Statue Figurine BirdVintage Heavy Brass Bronze Penguin Statue Figurine Bird $25.49 Emperor Penguin Bird 3D 925 Solid Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Made In UsaEmperor Penguin Bird 3D 925 Solid Sterling Silver Charm Pendant Made In Usa $23.95
Vintage Clear Glass Penguin Bird Figurine Art Hand Blown Paperweight 6” FigurineVintage Clear Glass Penguin Bird Figurine Art Hand Blown Paperweight 6” Figurine $34.82 New ListingAbbott Hand Carved Wooden Penguin, 5 3/4” Figure, 7 ozNew ListingAbbott Hand Carved Wooden Penguin, 5 3/4” Figure, 7 oz $19.95
Faux Wood Carved Resin Adorable Penguin Chick Bird Animal Figurine Statue SetFaux Wood Carved Resin Adorable Penguin Chick Bird Animal Figurine Statue Set $15.00 New ListingKatarina Brieditis Ikea Blue Penguin Ceramic Bird Statue Modern Minimalist 16”New ListingKatarina Brieditis Ikea Blue Penguin Ceramic Bird Statue Modern Minimalist 16” $24.99
Green Vaseline glass Artie Penguin Bird animal uranium arctic paperweight glowsGreen Vaseline glass Artie Penguin Bird animal uranium arctic paperweight glows $20.50 Art Glass Penguin Bird Paperweight Figurine Fish Inside 4” TallArt Glass Penguin Bird Paperweight Figurine Fish Inside 4” Tall $11.00
Miniature Tiny Lampwork Flame Hand Blown Glass Penguin Bird Figurine NewMiniature Tiny Lampwork Flame Hand Blown Glass Penguin Bird Figurine New $4.99 Vintage Enesco Penguin Figurine - Top Hat & Bow Tie - 1985 Ceramic - Dapper BirdVintage Enesco Penguin Figurine - Top Hat & Bow Tie - 1985 Ceramic - Dapper Bird $28.00
Penguin Bird Brooch Rhinestone [4759]Penguin Bird Brooch Rhinestone [4759] $19.95 Art Blown Glass Penguin Bird Miniature Mini Figurine On IceArt Blown Glass Penguin Bird Miniature Mini Figurine On Ice $4.99
Vintage Dega Art Pottery Sculpture Penguin Bird Figurine Rock BaseVintage Dega Art Pottery Sculpture Penguin Bird Figurine Rock Base $79.99 Large 3D Art Penguin Bird Standing 23" TallLarge 3D Art Penguin Bird Standing 23" Tall $40.72
1797 John Wilkes Hand Colored Painted Penguin Bird Copperplate Engraving Etching1797 John Wilkes Hand Colored Painted Penguin Bird Copperplate Engraving Etching $48.00 Penguin bird tuxedo Vintage Takahashi San Francisco Ceramic Md Japan 6.3" t C8Penguin bird tuxedo Vintage Takahashi San Francisco Ceramic Md Japan 6.3" t C8 $11.99
Decorative Colony Of 7 Hand Carved Wooden Penguins Family Bird Figures !Decorative Colony Of 7 Hand Carved Wooden Penguins Family Bird Figures ! $149.95 Vintage Carved Penguin FigurineVintage Carved Penguin Figurine $4.50
Stained Glass Penguin Bird Figure on Wire Stand Black White Yellow BeakStained Glass Penguin Bird Figure on Wire Stand Black White Yellow Beak $14.39 Vintage Pewter Metal Penguin Bird Miniature Figurine Thin Skinny 1.75” TallVintage Pewter Metal Penguin Bird Miniature Figurine Thin Skinny 1.75” Tall $7.99
Peruvian Carved Penguin Bird Snow Quartz Black Onyx Quartz Base Eb42OthPeruvian Carved Penguin Bird Snow Quartz Black Onyx Quartz Base Eb42Oth $69.95 Green Vaseline glass Artie Penguin Bird animal uranium selenium paperweight glowGreen Vaseline glass Artie Penguin Bird animal uranium selenium paperweight glow $20.50
Cardinal art, Emperor Penguin, Angel Penguin, Bird Art, Signed Art, Judy WilsonCardinal art, Emperor Penguin, Angel Penguin, Bird Art, Signed Art, Judy Wilson Penguin Bird Figurine Carved Stone 3.25" Sculpture Pyrite BasePenguin Bird Figurine Carved Stone 3.25" Sculpture Pyrite Base $17.97
Vtg Miniature Hand Blown Art Glass Penguin Bird Sculpture Figurines Lot of 2Vtg Miniature Hand Blown Art Glass Penguin Bird Sculpture Figurines Lot of 2 $16.58 Antique/Vintage 14K Gold & Hand-Carved Coral Penguin/Bird Charm PendantAntique/Vintage 14K Gold & Hand-Carved Coral Penguin/Bird Charm Pendant $249.00
Peruvian Carved Penguin Bird Snow Quartz Black Onyx Jasper w Calcite Base Eb42Peruvian Carved Penguin Bird Snow Quartz Black Onyx Jasper w Calcite Base Eb42 $69.95 Herend Penguins on Ice Natural Penguin Bird Figurine in Excellent ConditionHerend Penguins on Ice Natural Penguin Bird Figurine in Excellent Condition $249.99
Small Hollohaza Fishnet Penguin FigurineSmall Hollohaza Fishnet Penguin Figurine $45.00 Tommy Kakinuma Pottery Penguin Bird Art Pottery Figurine SignedTommy Kakinuma Pottery Penguin Bird Art Pottery Figurine Signed $130.00
Cloisonne Penguin Figurine Bird 3.25” Chinese? Unsigned HollowCloisonne Penguin Figurine Bird 3.25” Chinese? Unsigned Hollow $18.00 Vintage Hand Blown Delicate Glass Penguin Bird Figurine Small Italian GlassVintage Hand Blown Delicate Glass Penguin Bird Figurine Small Italian Glass $13.30
Penguin Figurine Silver WingsPenguin Figurine Silver Wings $7.00 Vintage Ceramic Penguin Figurines Set Good ConditionVintage Ceramic Penguin Figurines Set Good Condition $12.99
Vintage Wood Carved Penguin? Bird Wall Hanging Hand Painted Small Hooks UnusualVintage Wood Carved Penguin? Bird Wall Hanging Hand Painted Small Hooks Unusual $22.00 Vintage Leather Patchwork Penguin 19 Inches TallVintage Leather Patchwork Penguin 19 Inches Tall $65.00
Vintage Figural Penguin Bird Brown Black White Salt/Pepper Shakers Japan B8#40Vintage Figural Penguin Bird Brown Black White Salt/Pepper Shakers Japan B8#40 $5.99 Two Vintage Norsk Hadeland Crystal Penguin Bird Figurines-Norway Glass-2.5"Two Vintage Norsk Hadeland Crystal Penguin Bird Figurines-Norway Glass-2.5" $50.00
Click to see more Penguin items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 04/27/25 9:41am.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay