Emperor Penguins are social animals, both
foraging and nesting in groups. In severe weather the penguins huddle together
for protection. They may be active day or night. Mature adults travel
throughout most of the year between the nesting area and foraging areas in the
ocean. From January to March, Emperor Penguins disperse into the oceans,
traveling and foraging in groups. It is estimated that there are at least
250,000 Emperor Penguins, distributed into as many as 40 independent Antarctic
colonies.
Emperor Penguins first begin to breed at
approximately five years of age. Emperor penguins travel about 90 km (56 mi)
inland to reach the breeding site. The penguins start courtship in March or
April, when the temperature can be as low as –40°C. Emperor Penguins are
serially monogamous. They have only one mate each year, and stay faithful to
that mate.
Emperor penguins have a varied menu with some
prey items being more important than others. One of the most frequently eaten
prey species is the Antarctic silverfish Pleuragramma antarcticum. They also
eat other fish, Antarctic krill and some species of squid.An adult penguin eats
2 - 3 kg per day and chick needs about 42 kg of food for each parent.
In the wild,
Emperor Penguins typically live for 20 years, but some records indicate a
maximum lifespan of around 40 years.
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