In 1488, Portuguese sailors made the initial discovery of penguins near the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa. However, it was the historian Pigafita who recorded the first encounter with penguins.
In 1520, during the Magellan expedition, Pigafita came across a large colony of penguins on the coast of Patagonia. At that time, these unique birds were referred to as "unknown geese."
During the early exploration, most descriptions of penguin species were limited to those inhabiting the southern temperate zone. It wasn't until the late 18th century that scientists officially identified and named six penguin species.
The discovery of penguin species dwelling in the Antarctic ice sheet occurred primarily during the 19th and 20th centuries.
There are a total of 18 distinct penguin species, with the emperor penguin being the largest among them. An average emperor penguin stands about 1.1 meters tall and weighs over 35 kilograms. Conversely, the little blue penguin holds the title for being the smallest penguin species, measuring 40 cm in height and weighing only 1 kg.
Due to their unique physical structure, penguins possess feathers that are three to four times denser than those found on birds of similar size, enabling them to regulate their body temperature efficiently.
Contrary to popular belief, not all penguins inhabit Antarctica. Therefore, different species of penguins possess varying degrees of cold resistance, with those residing in the Antarctic continent and surrounding seas exhibiting better cold adaptability.
Penguins predominantly feed on fish and crustaceans, showcasing remarkable hunting skills. Some species of penguins form colonies that engage in collective hunting behavior, strategically gathering fish before commencing a joint hunt.
With their streamlined bodies and flippered wings, penguins are adept at propelling and steering themselves through the water.
Penguins belong to a distinct avian group that has lost the ability to fly over the course of evolution. Their wings have evolved into flippers, and their feet have adapted to a unique positioning.
As a result, penguins adopt an upright posture, akin to human beings. To facilitate underwater swimming, penguins' feathers have also evolved to be short, reducing drag.
Penguins cannot fly as they have adapted to a marine lifestyle. They typically spend half of their lives in water and the other half on land. Consequently, penguins possess exceptional swimming abilities.
On average, penguins can swim at speeds of 6-10 kilometers per hour, while emperor penguins can reach speeds of up to 12 kilometers per hour. The fastest recorded swimming speed among penguins belongs to the Gentoo penguin, exceeding 30 kilometers per hour.
Furthermore, penguins excel in diving, surpassing other bird species in this regard. Current data suggest that penguins can dive for a maximum duration of 18 minutes, reaching depths of up to 265 meters. Emperor penguins, in particular, have been observed diving for 30 minutes and reaching depths of 500 meters.
Penguins exhibit highly social behavior and form large groups known as penguin colonies. These colonies play a crucial role during the breeding season, where penguins congregate to mate, incubate eggs, and raise their young. Communication among penguins occurs through various means, including vocalizations, dances, and gestures.
Moreover, penguins display remarkable migratory patterns. Some species leave their breeding sites after the breeding season in search of food in warmer regions. These journeys span vast distances across oceans, sometimes covering hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.