Emperor Penguin

NT Carnivore Antarctic
22–45 kg
Weight
15–20 yrs
Lifespan
9 km/h
Top Speed
Antarctica
Found In

Weighing 22–45 kg, the Emperor Penguin ranks as one of the heaviest carnivore birds (#1 of 12). Native to Antarctica, it lives in Antarctic habitats and is classified as Near Threatened.

Size, Speed & Lifespan

Metric Emperor Penguin Carnivore Birds Median Difference
Weight 33.5 kg 2.3 kg ↑ 1357%
Height 100 cm
Top Speed 9 km/h 33.5 km/h ↓ 73%
Avg Speed 2.3 km/h
Lifespan 17.5 yrs 18.8 yrs ↓ 7%
Weight (kg)33.5avg 2.3Speed (km/h)9avg 33.5Lifespan (yrs)17.5avg 18.8

Endemic to Antarctica

Habitat: Antarctic
Found In: Antarctica
Coloration: Black, White

Behavior

Natural Predators

Social Structure

Recorded as Colony-based.

Reproduction & Lifespan

Gestation Period: 62–66 days
Offspring per Birth: 1
Lifespan: 15–20 years

A Near-Threatened Population

NT Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List — one of 14 species in this database with the same status.

Weight Rank Among Near Threatened Species

Ranked #6 of 14 by typical adult weight.

# Species Weight Status
4 Markhor Up to 110 kg NT
5 Gerenuk 28–52 kg NT
6 Emperor Penguin 22–45 kg NT
7 Maned Wolf 20–25 kg NT
8 Harpy Eagle 4.5–9 kg NT
9 Platypus 0.7–2.4 kg NT

Other Spheniscidae Species

The Spheniscidae family has 4 species in this database. Compare close taxonomic relatives:

Species Weight Diet Status
Galápagos Penguin 1.7–2.6 kg Carnivore, Piscivore EN
Galápagos Penguin 1.7–2.6 kg Carnivore, Piscivore EN
Yellow-Eyed Penguin 1–3 kg Carnivore EN

Similar Carnivore birds