Birdorable on Facebook Birdorable on X Birdorable on Instagram Birdorable on Threads Birdorable on Zazzle Birdorable on Amazon Birdorable on Etsy

Birdorable Blog

Emperor Penguin

Avian Extreme: Penguin Fasts

June 9, 2011 in Did You Know...?, Penguins and Avian Extreme with 4 comments
Birdorable Emperor Penguin with chick

Did you know that all penguins practice fasting during the year? Prior to fasting, penguins build up a thick fat layer which will provide energy during the fast period. Penguins fast for two reasons. First, some species don't leave their nesting grounds during the entire courtship, breeding and incubation period. Their food is found in the water so they are unable to feed if they don't leave the nesting grounds. Penguins also fast during seasonal molt.

When their new waterproof feathers are just growing in, they are unable to enter the water to feed. Different penguin species have different fast lengths. The male Emperor Penguin has the longest fasting period during breeding season. While preparing and caring for chicks, a male Emperor Penguin will fast for an incredible 90 to 120 days!

If you can't get enough of this extreme avian species, be sure to check out all of Birdorable's cute penguin t-shirts & gifts.

Cute Penguin Gifts

Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Pullover Hoodie
From Amazon
Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Pullover Hoodie
Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Throw Pillow
From Amazon
Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Throw Pillow
Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Raglan Baseball Tee
From Amazon
Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird Raglan Baseball Tee
Birdorable Christmas Cute Cartoon Penguin Party Festive Gift Long Sleeve T-Shirt
From Amazon
Birdorable Christmas Cute Cartoon Penguin Party Festive Gift Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Comments

bird identifier on June 28, 2011 at 11:34 AM wrote:
Was not aware that they actually fast for that long. interesting tidbit. thx for sharing.
Jenna on July 27, 2011 at 9:34 AM wrote:
aww the birdorable baby penguin is so adorable!!!
Tough Titmouse on May 24, 2012 at 5:46 PM wrote:
I really like the cool facts... please do more "Did you know"s!
Heather Richards on January 5, 2017 at 5:04 PM wrote:
Pengwen. He looks like my sister when she's walking on ice floes holding onto her suitcase. Except for one thing he doesn't have hair and he doesn't flip it! Buy a wig!

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

2020 Bonanza Bird #5: Australian White Ibis

November 28, 2020

Today’s new bird is an Australian wading species, native to the island nation and now widespread across a variety of habitats. Our second bird in the 2020 Birdorable Bonanza is the Australian Ibis! This species is also known as the Australian...

Read More

Mosquitoes to the Rescue? A Groundbreaking Conservation Effort in Hawaii

May 6, 2024

In an unprecedented and inspiring leap towards conservation, the American Bird Conservancy, alongside other conservatoin agencies, has embarked on a groundbreaking mission in Hawaii to save several critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers from the brink of extinction. The culprits behind the looming threat? Invasive Southern House Mosquitoes...

Read More

2018 Bonanza Bird #3: Common Wood Pigeon

November 25, 2018

Today's new bird is an Old World species and the largest type of pigeon or dove found in Europe: the Common Wood Pigeon! The Common Wood Pigeon is a large species of pigeon native to parts of Europe and Asia. They...

Read More

The Wood Thrush's double voice box

August 27, 2013

Today we have added a new species to Birdorable: the Wood Thrush. The Wood Thrush is a medium-sized songbird in the thrush family. Related birds include the familiar American Robin as well as the Blackbird of Europe....

Read More