Which penguin species breeds farthest south of all living penguins?

The emperor penguin breeds farther south than any other living penguin species.

Emperor penguins establish breeding colonies on stable sea ice around Antarctica, sometimes many kilometres from open water. Their breeding season takes place during the harsh Antarctic winter, when darkness, wind, and temperatures well below freezing create extreme conditions.

The species’ breeding strategy is unusually specialized. The female lays a single egg, and the male balances it on his feet beneath a fold of abdominal skin while she travels to sea to feed. Adults huddle together and rotate positions, helping reduce heat loss.

Other penguins also breed in Antarctica, including Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, but they generally use more northerly coastal areas or breed during the milder summer season.