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!

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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!

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