Penguin Habitat: What do Penguins Eat?

Penguins are found generally in the Southern Hemisphere. Amongst the various species of penguins, the Emperor Penguin remains to be the largest living species seen today. When approached by humans, penguins do not display any particular kind of fear from humans. Even then, experts warn one should maintain a specific distance from them. (Which should not cross 3 meters.) So, have you ever wondered about the penguin habitat or what do penguins eat? If you have many such queries about penguins then here's a look at some factors associated with the life of penguins and the kind of habitat they live in.

Penguin Habitat: The Environs They Live In
As mentioned earlier, penguins are found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Amongst the various species of penguins seen, there are certain species that are native to the Southern hemisphere and it was always believed penguins are found only in cold climates such as what is seen in Antarctica. But, on an average, around 10 species are found in the temperate zone.

Penguins generally live on islands and continental regions. They choose those areas where their inability to fly as other birds does not hamper with their survival. Around 75 % of their lives are spent at sea since these species are very well adapted to living at sea. The kind of habitat penguins prefer to adapt also depends on their species. Penguins are also found near cold-water currents that are rich in nutrients. Such chilly waters that have an abundance of food tend to attract more species of penguins in this area. The penguin adaptations thus depend largely upon the species and climatic conditions as well.

What do Penguins Eat?
Penguin food consists of a wide variety of sea creatures that form their prey whilst they swim underwater. Penguins eat various types of fish, krill's or even squids. During an extreme cold season, female penguins spend their time at sea in search for food whereas male penguins are left on land to face the cold! These penguins then huddle together to maintain the warmth amongst them. The kind of food eaten also depends upon the species of the penguin. While hunting, penguins rely on their strong sense of vision, which helps them to locate prey even in the dark or at great depths in the sea where light is relatively low. Penguins are known to travel long distances in search of food. Did you know penguins also go through prolonged fasting periods? Before penguins begin the fasting period, they are known to build a layer of fat. Fasting is done generally during their annual molting period. Besides, breeding male King penguins are known to fast for approximately 54 days. This occurs during their courtship period. Emperor penguins on the other hand, can fast for about 90 days during an entire period of courtship and breeding.

Penguin Adaptations:
As is already known, many penguin species spend around 75% of their lives at sea. When at sea, their bodies are built to adapt to the changing surroundings. Penguins use their flippers for swimming and the movement used resembles birds in flight. They hunch their head to the level of their shoulders to be able to swim in an efficient manner. They can maintain a speed of 7-10 kph. While swimming, penguins either leap out from the surface of the water or come towards the surface, to be able to breathe well.

When on land, their overlapping feathers help to protect the penetration of wind helping these creatures to remain warm. Penguins are also known to tuck their flippers close to their body so that they can generate more heat. Although, penguins have ample fat, they also need to be active in order to be able to maintain the heat. Males are known to huddle close together in order to conserve heat and also to incubate the eggs as well.

If you wish to read more about the various types of penguins, check out:

• Different types of penguins
• Emperor penguins