There are 18 species of birds in this family. Penguins are found in the Southern Hemisphere from the Antarctic to the equator. They range in size from 1.5-3.7 feet in height. They are black or dark gray with white chests and stomachs. They have stiff, flipper-like wings; long bills; short legs; and webbed feet.
Their legs are set back on their bodies, and penguins have a unique waddling walk! Penguins don't fly. They use their torpedo-shaped bodies and flippers to dive and swim under water. Penguins eat fish, squid, and krill.
Spheniscidae Photo Gallery
World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.
US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Breeds in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game
New Hampshire Species |
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North/Central American Species |
None
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None |
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