Instructions
Determine the location of the penguins. King Penguins live on and around sub-Antarctic and Antarctic islands. The Falkland Islands, Macquarie Islands, Heard Islands, IIes and Marion Islands are home to the largest colonies of King Penguins.
Notice the physical characteristics of the penguins you are observing. Young King Penguins have a green-black throat, head and neck. Their hue darkens to a black sheen with age. Orange patches, called auricular patches, color the sides of their neck and chest area. The orange dissolves into the golden-yellow of the lower breast. The abdominal areas through to the feet are a bright-white color. On average adult King Penguins stand at 30 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds.
Observe the penguins' behavior. According to the University of California San Diego, behavior can also distinguish between species of penguins. King Penguins carry their eggs on their feet. They eat infrequently, foraging for food every two weeks.
How to Identify a King Penguin
Very few bird species are famous for being dressed for a black-tie occasion, but penguins are known for their tuxedo-patterned plumage. King Penguins, the second largest of the penguin species, bear the coveted dress-coat feather coloration and are further decorated with bright-orange markings. You can easily identify them by their habitat location and their unique size and appearance.