King Penguins: A Crowded Colony
In King Penguins: A Crowded Colony, explore the remarkable life of the king penguins on South Georgia Island. Amid half a million birds, chicks must stay put to be found by their returning parents who rely on unique calls to reunite. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do penguin chicks stay in the same place their parents left them?
A: The chicks stay in the same place to make sure that they can be found when their parents return with food.
Q: How do penguins recognize their chicks in such a large colony?
A: The penguins each have a unique call.
Q: Why is staying close to their meeting place important for chicks?
A: The penguin calls can only be heard within around 50 feet (15 meters) in a such a noisy colony.