Like most penguins, these king penguins gather in huge colonies to breed. They cope with crowding Within the crowded colony, males and mated pairs defend nesting territories that usually extend from the nest to the far reach of the owner's bill. When a male penguin displays to attract mates or defend territory, he stands tall, spreads his wings, holds his head high and calls loudly. Males call and display to announce they have territory and to attract mates. Mated pairs call and display as they continue courting and as they build their nests.
Parents display when they trade places on the nest.
Penguins also flap their wings, shake their heads and bow to tell their mates and other penguins how they feel.