Avian Extreme: Penguin Fasts

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

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

From Amazon

Cute Cartoon Adelie Penguin Birdorable Bird T-Shirt

From Zazzle

Emperor Penguin with Chick Trucker Hat

From Zazzle

Emperor Penguin with Chick T-Shirt

From Amazon

Birdorable Penguin Party Cute Cartoon Penguin Gift Idea Zip Hoodie

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!

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.

Your name (required)

Your email address (required)

Your email address will not be published

Comment (required)

I agree to receive updates and news from Birdorable

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.

Kingfisher Week Kicks Off!

October 5, 2014

This week, we're celebrating the world's kingfishers! There are about 90 species of kingfisher in the world. These darling birds are often colorful, and they can be found all around the world. Join us as we highlight kingfishers on the Birdorable blog October 5-11, 2014! To kick things...

2017 Bonanza Bird #9: Horned Puffin

December 2, 2017

Today a seabird with bold colors joins Birdorable: the Horned Puffin! The Horned Puffin is a seabird in the auk family. They are pelagic, breeding on rocky islands but spending the rest of the year at sea. They are found in ocean waters around...

2016 Bonanza Bird #3: Steller's Sea Eagle

November 27, 2016

Our special 10th anniversary 2016 Birdorable Bonanza continues today with the third bird in the series: the Steller's Sea Eagle, a very large raptor that lives in coastal habitats in northeast Asia. These powerful, heavy birds are among the...

2024 Birdorable Bonanza Bird #15

Meet the Spinifex Pigeon: Australia’s Flashy Desert Specialist

December 2, 2024

Today we're concluding our 2024 Birdorable Bonanza with a spectacular new addition to our pigeon and dove family: it's the Spinifex Pigeon! The Spinifex Pigeon is a unique and striking bird native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. With its distinctive appearance and ability to...

Birdorable Blog