What is the largest penguin species in the world?

The emperor penguin is the largest penguin species in the world.

Adult emperor penguins can stand about 100–130 centimetres tall and commonly weigh between 22 and 45 kilograms, although weight changes substantially through the breeding and moulting cycles. They are native to Antarctica and breed on sea ice.

Emperor penguins are famous for their winter breeding cycle. The female lays a single egg, and the male balances it on his feet beneath a fold of abdominal skin while the female returns to sea to feed. Males may fast for about two months during incubation.

The king penguin is a frequent source of confusion because it is also tall and has vivid orange-and-yellow markings. However, the emperor penguin is both taller and heavier. Emperor penguins also tolerate colder conditions than any other penguin species.