PENGUINS By Christie Black

Chilly Willy’s Story

Thesis Statement Penguins are uniquely complex birds, survive in harsh conditions and are at risk of being put on the Endangered Species List because of human behaviors. Penguins are uniquely complex birds, survive in harsh conditions and are at risk of being put on the Endangered Species List because of human behaviors.

Biggest to Smallest Emperor Penguin - Largest Emperor Penguin - Largest Little Blue Penguin (or Fairy Penguin) - Smallest Little Blue Penguin (or Fairy Penguin) - Smallest

Classification Aptenodytes forsteri – Emperor Penguin Eudyptula minor - Little Blue Penguin

Physical Characteristics – Emperor Penguin Adult Average – 3 feet 7 inches tall Adult Average – 3 feet 7 inches tall The adult has deep black feathers and a white belly from the upper breast down and on the under parts of the wings The adult has deep black feathers and a white belly from the upper breast down and on the under parts of the wings Emperor Penguin chicks are covered with silver- gray down with a black head and white eye and cheek patches Emperor Penguin chicks are covered with silver- gray down with a black head and white eye and cheek patches

Habitat The Emperor Penguin lives almost exclusively in the Antarctic The Emperor Penguin lives almost exclusively in the Antarctic

Behavior Emperor Penguins are social animals Emperor Penguins are social animals As a defense against the cold, Emperor Penguins stand in compact huddles As a defense against the cold, Emperor Penguins stand in compact huddles Swimming speed – 4 to 6 MPH Swimming speed – 4 to 6 MPH Diving – 490 to 820 ft Diving – 490 to 820 ft

Reproduction Emperor Penguins travel about 56 miles inland to reach the breeding spot Emperor Penguins travel about 56 miles inland to reach the breeding spot They are “serially monogamous” They are “serially monogamous” Female lays egg Female lays egg Male incubates for 65 days Male incubates for 65 days Female returns with food, Male leaves Female returns with food, Male leaves Once egg hatches, chick stays with parents in crèche Once egg hatches, chick stays with parents in crèche

Physical Characteristics – Little Blue Penguin Typically grow to be about 16 inches tall and weight about 2.2 pounds Typically grow to be about 16 inches tall and weight about 2.2 pounds

Habitat The little blue penguin is found on entire coastline of New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, Tasmania, and southern Australia. The little blue penguin is found on entire coastline of New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, Tasmania, and southern Australia.

Behavior They live in year round colonies They live in year round colonies Have a long life span Have a long life span They feed by hunting fish, squid, and other small sea animals, for which they travel and dive quite extensively They feed by hunting fish, squid, and other small sea animals, for which they travel and dive quite extensively

Reproduction Unlike the Emperor Penguins, Little Blue Penguins do not travel to breed Unlike the Emperor Penguins, Little Blue Penguins do not travel to breed Chicks are born two at a time and are raised in burrows (picture) Chicks are born two at a time and are raised in burrows (picture)

Dangers The Emperor Penguin, along with nine other species of penguin, is currently being considered for placement under the Endangered Species Protection Act The Emperor Penguin, along with nine other species of penguin, is currently being considered for placement under the Endangered Species Protection Act Reasons Reasons declining food availability declining food availability effects of climate change effects of climate change industrial fisheries on the crustacean and fish populations industrial fisheries on the crustacean and fish populations disease, habitat destruction, and disturbance at breeding colonies by humans. disease, habitat destruction, and disturbance at breeding colonies by humans.

Fieldwork Sea World Sea World Aquarium of the Pacific Aquarium of the Pacific

Conclusion We need to learn about Penguins, help educate others and protect them. We need to learn about Penguins, help educate others and protect them.

Learning Stretch Be nicer to animals Be nicer to animals Things that are far away matter Things that are far away matter There is something we can do There is something we can do I am a better person from doing my research I am a better person from doing my research