However, emperor penguins do undertake an impressive annual journey known as the "long march" to their breeding grounds. During the Antarctic winter (which lasts from March to October), the sea ice grows and expands around the continent, providing a stable platform for the penguins to travel.
Here is a general overview of the long march undertaken by emperor penguins:
1. Arrival at the Breeding Grounds:
- Emperor penguins begin their journey in late March from the edge of the pack ice.
- They travel inland towards their traditional breeding grounds, which are typically located on sheltered parts of the coast or in bays.
- During this time, the penguins may walk and slide over ice and snow, forming impressive columns or single-file lines.
2. Courtship and Mating:
- Once they reach the breeding grounds, emperor penguins begin their courtship rituals.
- Males display to females by bowing, calling, and flicking their heads.
- Pairs form and mate, with the female laying a single egg.
3. Egg Incubation:
- The males are responsible for incubating the eggs.
- They carefully balance the eggs on their feet, covered by a brood pouch to keep them warm.
4. The Huddle:
- To endure the harsh Antarctic winter conditions, emperor penguins huddle together to conserve heat and energy.
- They form tightly packed groups, taking turns on the outside of the huddle to protect the eggs and each other from the extreme cold and winds.
5. Egg Hatching and Chick Rearing:
- After approximately 65 days of incubation, the eggs hatch.
- The female penguins return from their feeding trip and take over chick-rearing duties.
- Chicks depend on their parents for food (regurgitated stomach oil) and warmth.
6. Feeding Trips and Chick Survival:
- Both male and female penguins take turns going on extended feeding trips to the ocean to catch fish, squid, and krill.
- During these trips, they travel long distances, covering hundreds of kilometres, over the sea ice.
- The chicks form crèches, where they huddle together for protection and warmth while the adults are away.
7. Fledging and Return:
- By late summer, the sea ice begins to break up, and the chicks have grown their adult plumage.
- They are now able to swim and feed on their own.
- The whole colony, including the adults and their offspring, then return to the open sea to feed and prepare for the next breeding season.
The long march of emperor penguins is an extraordinary display of resilience, adaptability, and cooperation in one of the harshest environments on Earth.