Penguins in Antarctica

Of 17 species of penguins found in the world, only 6 are found in Antarctica. Of those 6 species, only 2 are found as far south as the McMurdo Sound where Scott Base and McMurdo Station are located: The adelie penguin and the Emperor Penguin.

Adelie Penguins

Penguins are the most anthropomorphic of all birds - and Adelies in my opinion are cutest and most comical of penguins! They are relatively small penguins averaging 70cm (27.5in) high and weighing 5kg (11pounds). These penguins are quite curious and will come right up beside you to see what you are doing. My video below was filmed at the edge of the sea ice while I was with scientists studying killer whales.

Emperor Penguins

Emperor penguins are the largest and most "majestic" of penguins. They average 1.15 meters (44in) and 30kg (66pounds) in weight. The emperor penguins are currently listed as near threatened by the IUCN, and is currently under consideration for inclusion under the US Endangered Species Act. The main risks of to this species is declining food availability due to the effects of climate change and industrial fisheries.

I recorded the video below while out on the Antarctic sea ice in McMurdo Sound. In the first frame you can see Mt Erebus in the background. In the second frame you have the Trans-Antarctic Mountain Range which includes Mt Discovery. The third frame shows the Barne Glacier, and in the last you can see the Ross Island Peninsula with Tent Island to the right.