Aptenodytes patagonicus
Breeding Range: South Georgia, subantarctic islands, Falkland Islands and Chile
Length: 90cm.
Falklands Population: 400 breeding pairs
World Population: 1,500,000 breeding pairs
King Penguin
The King Penguin is the largest of the Falkland penguins. It is a colonial breeder, found on sandy beaches at seven locations in the Falklands, with the majority of the population being found at Volunteer Point. Adults make no nest and incubate the single large egg on their feet, which is an adaptation for living on ice and snow where the eggs would freeze in a nest. Chicks hatch at the end of the austral summer and over-winter in creches prior to fledging the following spring. Adults can be seen at breeding sites throughout the year, but individuals forage long distances, feeding mainly on small Lanternfish at depths of 150 - 300 metres. Adults begin breeding at 3 years of age and can live to over 30 years. Sexes are similar in appearance.
