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We tend to confuse these two birds, but they are completely opposite. So as not to make another mistake, here are the main differences in recognizing a penguin and a penguin.
Penguins and penguins are often confused due to the English translation of the word “penguin” (“penguin”Penguin“). However, there are many differences between these two seabirds: geographical location, size, ability or flightlessness… Discover their main differences.
How to recognize a penguin?
THE penguin it belongs to the Sphenisciformes family and lives in the southern hemisphere. Several species are found in the Antarctic Ocean: the famous emperor penguin, the gentoo penguin and the Adélie penguin. Other species inhabit southern Africa, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and Oceania (off the coast of Australia and New Zealand).
Another peculiarity of the penguin is that, unlike the penguin, it cannot fly. Its wings are solid and flat, often mistaken for flippers. While clumsy on land, the penguin is very agile in the water. It is able to dive to a depth of around 500 meters to find its prey. Some species, such as the little penguin, can swim at speeds of up to 35 km/h.
In terms of their physical characteristics, penguins are larger than penguins. For example, the emperor penguin can grow up to 1.20 meters in height and weigh up to 40 kg. In general, it can be said that they have a relatively large head, a small neck and a long beak. Each species has its own specifics when it comes to the color of feathers. For example, the golden penguin is distinguished by tufts of golden feathers on its head.
Finally, the lifespan of penguins varies by species. While the emperor penguin can live up to 20 years, the little penguin lives an average of 6 years.
How to recognize a penguin?
THE Penguin belongs to the family Alcidae, which includes 23 species. Note that the Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) became extinct in the 1840s due to hunting. Little penguins (Alca squirmed) live in the Northern Hemisphere, more precisely in the English Channel and the North Atlantic.
The little penguin is perfectly capable of flight and can travel long distances. In addition to being able to fly, the penguin is an excellent swimmer. It can dive to a depth of 15 meters. The diets of penguins and penguins are quite similar. However, they feed on prey closer to the water surface.
In terms of physical characteristics, penguins are smaller than penguins. It measures 45 cm in diameter and weighs between 500 and 700 grams. Their wingspan is between 63 and 68 cm. In comparison, the emperor penguin has a wingspan of 40 to 50 cm. The little penguin has a black back, head and beak. Only the belly is white. Like the penguin, the little penguin has webbed feet that allow it to swim faster.
Finally, little penguins live between 13 and 18 years. Like its southern hemisphere counterpart, it is threatened by global warming.