Penguins of the World: Species, Habitats & Facts
Penguins are flightless seabirds of the Southern Hemisphere (plus the Galápagos). How many species, where they live, what they eat, and conservation threats.
Global Animal Guide · July 10, 2026
Quick answer
Penguins (family Spheniscidae) are flightless seabirds with flipper-like wings for underwater 'flight.' About 18 species live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere; the Galápagos penguin is the only species near the equator. They eat fish, squid, and krill. Many species are threatened by climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
Last updated: July 2026.
Built for the ocean
Dense bones (relative to flying birds), waterproof plumage, countershaded black-and-white colour, and powerful flippers make penguins elite divers. Emperor penguins can dive hundreds of metres; little penguins forage closer to shore.
Species snapshot
Famous groups include great penguins (emperor, king), brush-tailed (Adélie, chinstrap, gentoo), crested (macaroni, rockhopper), banded (African, Humboldt, Magellanic, Galápagos), and the little / fairy penguin.
Conservation
Warming seas shift prey. Guano mining, oil spills, gillnets, and tourism pressure hit breeding colonies. African and Galápagos penguins are among the most threatened.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How many penguin species are there?
About 18, depending on whether some crested penguins are split or lumped.
Do any penguins live in the Arctic?
No — penguins are Southern Hemisphere birds (Galápagos excepted near the equator). Arctic 'penguins' in cartoons are usually auks or puffins.
What is the largest penguin?
The emperor penguin — up to about 120 cm tall.
Can penguins fly?
Not in air — their wings are flippers specialised for swimming.