Breeding Colony
In March, at the beginning of the Antarctic winter, emperor penguins travel day and night in a single file line up to 70 miles to a suitable breeding site inland. The penguins migrate in large numbers from the coastal waters of Antarctica to the more stable ice in the center of the continent that can safely support the weight of the breeding colony, which often contains thousands of penguins. Males are first to make the journey, followed by females a few days later.
Courtship
Males attract mates through distinct calls and visual displays during the courtship ritual. Emperor penguins form monogamous bonds for the entire year and the breeding pairs work together to successfully raise their offspring during the mating process. With thousands of penguins gathered in the same location, vocal differences is the primary way breeding pairs identify one another. Once paired, the couple mate and female lays a single large egg in two months.
Egg Care
As soon as the female lays the egg, she transfers the egg to the male for the rest of the incubation period and returns to the coast to feed and regain her strength. Male penguins cradle the eggs between their feet and a large brood pouch covers the egg and insulates it from the extreme cold. The males then huddle together in large clusters where they protect each other from the harsh winds and weather while the egg develops. Male penguins remain in these tightly packed clusters several months until the eggs hatch.
Hatchling Care
Baby penguins hatch after 9 weeks of incubation. The female returns and cares for the hatchling while the male returns to the sea to feed -- males often loose over half of their body weight during the reproduction process. Females and males then alternate caring for the hatchling penguin, taking turns going to the sea to feed. Upon each return, the parents regurgitate food for the young penguin to feed on and develop. After several months, the adults complete the mating process and abandon their young. The young penguins huddle together with other juveniles in clusters called creches to finish their development in time for the Antarctic summer.