Fun Penguin Facts for Kids

From Mary Poppins to Happy Feet, penguins frequently appear in movies. Of all the birds, they might be the most lovable. 17 species live in Antarctica and the southern hemisphere. Although most penguins live in snowy areas, they don’t seem to mind the cold. Penguins have dense outer feathers that are coated with oil that keeps them dry. Under those feathers are soft, downy feathers. Penguins also have a thick layer of fat under their skin. Penguins actually get too warm sometimes in their feather coats and puff their feathers to cool off.

Mumble Happy Feet Dancing Image - Science for Kids All About Penguins — The penguin in Happy Feet movie. For more about penguins, read on!

Fun Facts about Penguins for Kids

Most penguins live near the sea, but migrate inland to have babies.
The male Adelies penguins give females rocks as gifts.
Male and female penguins take turns sitting on the eggs and taking care of the babies.
Male emperor penguins gather together during the winter to protect the eggs. They place the eggs on their feet and huddle over them to keep them warm. They sit in one place for over two months until the eggs hatch. Then the females return to take care of the hatchlings.
Penguins eat krill or fish. Those that eat krill have pink poop. Fish eaters have white poop.
Penguins are excellent swimmers, but they can’t fly.

Two Penguins Swimming Image — Penguins are excellent swimmers, but they can’t fly.

Penguin Vocabulary

Loveable: easy to love
Antarctica: South Pole
Dense: thick
Migrate: temporarily move
Hatchlings: newly born chicks

The Male Adelies Penguin Image — The male Adelies penguins give females rocks as gifts.

Learn More All About Penguins

A Penguin Group Standing Image — Penguins have dense outer feathers that are coated with oil that keeps them dry. Under those feathers are soft, downy feathers. Penguins also have a thick layer of fat under their skin.

Penguins are cute creatures. Watch this funny video of penguins:

A video compilation of penguin bloopers.

Penguin Q&A

Question: How big are penguins?

Answer: Emperor penguins are the biggest penguins. They are 4 feet tall and can weigh 65 pounds. That’s as big as the average third grader! Rock hopper penguins weigh only 5 pounds and stand 21 inches tall.

Penguin Eating Fish image — Penguins eat krill or fish.

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Question: Are penguins endangered?

Answer: Yes, penguin populations have decreased by as much as 80 percent in some areas. Scientists believe climate changes have caused the decrease. Leopard seals and killer whales prey on penguins.

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