Penguins have several adaptations to allow them to live in cold climates. Their feathers are very dense, and they overlap like shingles on a roof. They also have a layer of down to help protect them from the cold air, winds, and water. For the penguins that live in the coldest areas, their flippers, feet and head are shorter to help reduce heat loss. Five species of the Antarctic penguins are found in the peninsula region or in the sub-Antarctic islands.
Emperors are the largest penguins.
They can stand over 42 inches tall and can weigh up to 100 pounds. Emperor penguins can travel along the surface of the water at about five miles an hour and can dive down to almost 900 feet below the surface. Emperor penguins are the only Antarctic birds that breed in the winter. After a prolonged courtship ritual, a single egg is laid in May or early June. This egg is incubated on the feet of the male penguin for warmth and protection.