There are around 18 species of penguin, and they live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere rather than only in icy Antarctica. Here is a friendly look at some of the best known types.
The largest penguins
Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest species, standing up to about 1.2 metres and breeding through the harsh Antarctic winter. King penguins are the second largest and have striking orange patches on their necks. Both raise a single chick at a time and balance their egg on their feet to keep it warm. These big penguins are built for cold and can dive deep in search of fish and squid. See our types of birds guide.
Mid-sized penguins
Gentoo and Adelie penguins are familiar mid-sized species. Gentoos are recognised by the white patch above each eye and are among the fastest swimming birds underwater. Adelie penguins are classic tuxedo-looking penguins that nest in huge colonies on the Antarctic coast, building simple nests from small stones. Both feed mainly on krill and small fish, and both are agile, energetic swimmers who porpoise through the water to breathe on the move.
The smallest penguins
The little blue penguin, also called the fairy penguin, is the smallest species at roughly 30 centimetres tall and about a kilogram in weight. It lives around southern Australia and New Zealand, coming ashore at dusk to nest in burrows. Its slate-blue back gives it its name. Because they are so small, little blue penguins are vulnerable to predators on land, so many colonies are carefully protected by local conservation groups.