King Penguin

king penguin, (Aptenodytes patagonicus), second largest member of the penguin order (Sphenisciformes), characterized by its dignified, upright posture, long bill, and vivid coloration. Although many ornithologists divide the species into two subspecies, Aptenodytes patagonicus patagonicus and A. patagonicus halli, some ornithologists claim that such a separation is unnecessary. King penguins are found on several Antarctic and subantarctic islands; breeding populations of A. patagonicus patagonicus occur on South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the South Sandwich Islands, whereas those of A.patagonicus halli inhabit the Crozet Islands, the Kerguelen Islands, the Prince Edward Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, and Macquarie Island. The species bears a striking resemblance to its larger but less colourful relative, the emperor penguin (A. forsteri).