What is a king penguin?
The king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second-largest penguin species, standing 85 to 95 cm tall and weighing 11 to 16 kg. They are found on sub-Antarctic islands including South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and Macquarie Island. King penguins are known for their striking orange-gold patches on the sides of their head and upper chest. Unlike most penguins, their breeding cycle lasts over a year — roughly 14 to 16 months — meaning they can only raise two chicks every three years.
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our species answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- IUCN Red List - Global conservation assessments and extinction-risk categories.
- BirdLife Data Zone - Species accounts, distribution, and population summaries.
- Smithsonian Ocean Portal - Penguin biology, anatomy, and breeding explainers.
- Australian Museum - Little penguin biology and coastal breeding behavior.