Which penguin species has a breeding cycle that begins during Antarctica’s winter?

The emperor penguin has a breeding cycle that begins during Antarctica’s winter.

Adults typically arrive at breeding colonies in March or April, when darkness, strong winds and temperatures far below freezing make the season exceptionally demanding. The female lays a single egg around May or June and transfers it carefully to the male.

The male balances the egg on his feet beneath a warm brood pouch. He incubates it for about 65–75 days while fasting, often standing in tightly packed huddles with other males. The female returns from the sea around hatching time, bringing food for the chick.

This timing allows chicks to grow through the warmer Antarctic summer, when adults have better access to open water and prey. The king penguin also lays one egg, but its much longer incubation and warmer sub-Antarctic breeding environment make its schedule different.