Adult penguins range in height from approximately 16 to 48 inches, depending on the species. The Emperor penguin is the tallest of all species. Emperor penguins are also the heaviest, weighing up to 100 pounds. Most penguins can be recognized by their white breasts, black backs, and black heads, resembling a small man in a tuxedo. Some penguins have other distinguishing features such as orange, red, or yellow areas on their heads or necks.
Penguins are gifted swimmers, using their wings as paddles.
Their bodies are designed to conserve heat, making them able to withstand intense cold, either in the water or on icebergs. Penguins feed off of small sea life forms, including fish, crustaceans, and cuttlefish. Most penguins can be found in captivity throughout the world. The Emperor and Adelie penguins, however, are only found in a few locations. Because they live exclusively in the Antarctic, only places such as Sea World keep them in captivity.