Penguins and penguins are often confused due to the English translation of the word "penguin" ("
penguin
").
However, there are a multitude of differences between these two seabirds: geographical location, size, ability or not to fly... Discover their main differences.
To discover
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How to recognize a penguin?
The
penguin
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 (on the coasts of Australia and New Zealand).
The other particularity of the penguin is that it cannot fly, unlike the penguin.
Its wings are rigid and flat, often thought of as flippers.
While it is clumsy on land, the penguin is very agile in the water.
It is capable of diving to depths of around 500 meters to find its prey.
Some species such as the Little Penguin can swim up to 35 km/h.
As for their physical characteristics, penguins are larger than penguins.
For example, an Emperor Penguin can grow up to 1.20 meters tall and weigh up to 40 kg.
Generally speaking, they have a rather large head, a small neck and a long beak.
Each species has its own specificities in terms of plumage color.
For example, the Golden Penguin is distinguished by tufts of golden feathers on its head.
Finally, the life expectancy of penguins varies depending on the 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 Alcidae family which includes 23 species.
Note that the Great Auk (
Pinguinus impennis
) disappeared in the 1840s, due to hunting.
Razorbills (
Alca torda
) live in the northern hemisphere, and 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 knowing how to fly, the penguin is an excellent swimmer.
It is capable of diving up to 15 meters deep.
The diet of penguins and penguins is quite similar.
However, the latter feed on prey closer to the water surface.
Regarding physical characteristics, penguins are smaller than penguins.
On average, they measure 45 cm and weigh between 500 and 700 grams.
Their wingspan is between 63 and 68 cm.
For comparison, an Emperor Penguin has a wingspan of 40 to 50 cm.
The Little Penguin has a black back, head and beak.
Only its belly is white.
Just like the penguin, the Little Penguin has webbed feet which allow it to swim faster.
Finally, Little Penguins have a life expectancy of between 13 and 18 years.
Like its counterpart in the southern hemisphere, it is threatened by global warming.