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

Kumimanu (Kumimanu biceae)
Scale illustration of an average Kumimanu compared to a human and similar penguins

The name Kumimanu (Kumimanu biceae) means monster bird. The fossil of this giant penguin was discovered in New Zealand and is currently used to understand the evolution of birds. Records show Kumimanu was enormous, almost the size of an average adult male and heavier than modern penguins. The flippers, legs, and body were extremely large. It is also thought to have much longer beaks compared to modern penguins. However, it still had typical penguin features like flipper-like wings and an upright stance. Unlike modern penguins that inhibit cold environments, Kumimanu lived in warm areas and was brown and not black and white.

Kumimanus have an overall height between 63”-67” (160-170 cm) and body width of 17.7”-19.3” (45-49 cm). The typical weight of the Kumimanu is in the range of 198-220 lb (90-100 kg).

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Kumimanu seen from the side and front
The name Kumimanu (Kumimanu biceae) means monster bird. The fossil of this giant penguin was discovered in New Zealand and is currently used to understand the evolution of birds. Records show Kumimanu was enormous, almost the size of an average adult male and heavier than modern penguins.

Kumimanus have an overall height between 63”-67” (160-170 cm) and body width of 17.7”-19.3” (45-49 cm). The typical weight of the Kumimanu is in the range of 198-220 lb (90-100 kg).

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Kumimanu seen from the side and front
Kumimanu (Kumimanu biceae)
Height:
63”-67” | 160-170 cm
Width:
17.7”-19.3” | 45-49 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
198-220 lb | 90-100 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Kumimanu biceae
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Kumimanu side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

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

The Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is the only penguin found close to the equator. It inhabits the Galápagos island in Ecuador. It is a banded penguin and among the smallest globally, possessing various adaptations to help it stay cool in its warm environment. The head and the upper part of the body are black, but a few white stripes run along the body's length while the underside and frontal area are white. Its extremely narrow head stripe separates it from other banded penguins. In addition, it has feathers on its back and flippers. The Galápagos Penguin shows unique nesting behavior like using any resource to build a nest, including stealing components like pebbles and sticks from absent neighbors.

Galápagos Penguins have an overall height between 18”-21” (46-53 cm) and body width of 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm). The typical weight of the Galápagos Penguin is in the range of 3.5-6 lb (1.6-2.7 kg). Galápagos Penguins have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Galápagos Penguin viewed from the side and front
The Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is the only penguin found close to the equator. It inhabits the Galápagos island in Ecuador. It is a banded penguin and among the smallest globally, possessing various adaptations to help it stay cool in its warm environment.

Galápagos Penguins have an overall height between 18”-21” (46-53 cm) and body width of 5.5”-6.7” (14-17 cm). The typical weight of the Galápagos Penguin is in the range of 3.5-6 lb (1.6-2.7 kg). Galápagos Penguins have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Galápagos Penguin viewed from the side and front
Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)
Height:
18”-21” | 46-53 cm
Width:
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
3.5-6 lb | 1.6-2.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Spheniscus mendiculus
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Galápagos Penguin side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Dimensioned elevation illustration comparing the size of the Emperor Penguin to the standing height of a man

The Emperor Penguin is the largest living penguin species and are characterized by the black feathers on their head and back that sharply contrast with a pale-yellow breast, and bright-yellow ear patches.  The Emperor Penguin is unique to Antarctica, and it is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter, trekking 31-75 miles over the ice to breeding colonies. Its diet consists of mostly fish and crustaceans, and while hunting, Emperor Penguins can remain submerged under water for around 20 minutes, diving to a depth of 1755 feet. Contrary to popular belief, emperor penguins are not monogamous, as the fidelity rate among the species is 15%.

The Emperor Penguin has an average height range of 43”-51” (110-130 cm), weight of 49-99 lb (22-45 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of illustrations of the Emperor Penguin in a range of standing positions
The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin species and are characterized by the black feathers on their bodies that sharply contrast with a pale-yellow breast, and yellow ear patches. Unique to Antarctica, the Emperor Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter.

The Emperor Penguin has an average height range of 43”-51” (110-130 cm), weight of 49-99 lb (22-45 kg), and typical lifespan of 15-20 years.

Series of illustrations of the Emperor Penguin in a range of standing positions
Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)
Height:
43”-51” | 110-130 cm
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
49-99 lb | 22-45 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Aptenodytes forsteri
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:
Emperor Penguin standing (side), looking (side), standing (back), walking (side), standing (front), lying down (side), standing (arctic man)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus)
Comparison drawing of the Snares Penguin compared to other similar penguins and a person

The Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus) gets its name from the region where it breeds--the Snare island. It is endemic to New Zealand and is also called Snare Islands penguin or Snare crested penguin. This yellow-crested penguin has white underparts and a dark-blue dorsal side. Besides, it has a large red-brown bill, while the eyebrow stripes are yellow and extend over the eyes. At the base of its bill is bare pink skin, while the beak is thick and reddish-brown. Each individual has a unique color pattern under the wings, making it easy to identify when mixed with other species. It is separated from the Fiordland penguin by a patch of skin at the base of its beaks.

Snares Penguins have an overall height between 22”-28” (56-71 cm) and body width of 7.9”-10.2” (20-26 cm). The typical weight of the Snares Penguin is in the range of 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg). Snares Penguins have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Snares Penguin viewed from the side and front
The Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus) gets its name from the region where it breeds--the Snare island. It is endemic to New Zealand and is also called Snare Islands penguin or Snare crested penguin. This yellow-crested penguin has white underparts and a dark-blue dorsal side.

Snares Penguins have an overall height between 22”-28” (56-71 cm) and body width of 7.9”-10.2” (20-26 cm). The typical weight of the Snares Penguin is in the range of 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg). Snares Penguins have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Snares Penguin viewed from the side and front
Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus)
Height:
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
Width:
7.9”-10.2” | 20-26 cm
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
5-10 lb | 2.3-4.5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Eudyptes robustus
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Snares Penguin side elevations, front, back

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads