Why do Emperor penguins carry their eggs on their feet?
Ryan and Fiona, Class 3, St Ippolyts School Emperor penguins are unusual because it is the male that protects the one large egg his mate has laid. Emperor penguins breed on sea-ice, in the coldest conditions tolerated by any bird. The cycle begins in the early austral winter, as soon as the sea-ice is strong enough to bear their weight. Arriving in March or April, they gather on fast-ice at the edge of the continental coast and some off-islands. Courtship involves much display and pair bonding. They establish no fixed territory, owning only the ice around them wherever they stand. The single egg is laid in May/early June, at the start of the coldest weather, when the male takes responsibility for the 62-66 days of incubation in the dark Antarctic winter. The male keeps the egg warm under a special flap between his feet and protected from the freezing weather by huddling with the other male penguins. Chicks become independent during November to January.
