Meet the penguin
Penguins use a two-voice call, like two instruments at once, so their family can pick them out in a noisy colony.
Friends and family
Huge colonies, lifelong pairs, and chick crèches minded by a few adults.
Emperor fathers balance the egg on their feet through the Antarctic winter without eating.
How they talk
Trumpets, brays and a two-part call unique to each bird.
How clever are they?
Penguins remember feeding routes and adjust dives to save energy.
What they feel
Reunited pairs sing a duet and preen each other for minutes.
Superpower: Bubble boost
Some penguins release tiny bubbles from their feathers to slip through water faster.
👀 See the world through their eyes
Sight
Their eyes work above and below water — most animals manage only one.
Hearing
They pick one voice out of a colony of thousands.
🤓 Did you know?
- Emperor penguin dads incubate the egg on their feet for about 65 days.
- Huddles rotate so every penguin gets a warm turn.
- Penguins can drink seawater — a gland removes the salt.
Living alongside people
Penguins are affected by fishing boats taking their food and by oil spills; colonies are protected in marine reserves.