Species & Identification

How tall is an emperor penguin?

Emperor penguins are the tallest penguin species, standing between 100 and 130 cm (about 3.3 to 4.3 feet) tall. Adults typically weigh between 22 and 45 kg, with weight fluctuating dramatically throughout the breeding season. Males can lose up to 12 kg — roughly 45% of their body weight — during the two-month fasting period while they incubate the egg. Their large size is a critical adaptation for surviving Antarctic winters, as a bigger body retains heat more efficiently.