Which penguin species lays its egg on the male’s feet during Antarctica’s winter?

The emperor penguin lays its egg on the male’s feet during Antarctica’s winter, where he incubates it beneath a skin fold.

After the female lays a single egg, she carefully transfers it to the male. He holds it on top of his feet and covers it with a warm brood pouch, while she travels to the ocean to feed. The transfer is a vulnerable moment because an egg exposed to the freezing surface can quickly become nonviable.

Males may incubate for about two months without eating. They huddle together to conserve heat, rotating positions so individuals take turns at the colder outside edge. When the egg hatches, the returning female usually brings food for the chick.

King penguins also produce one egg and have a long incubation period, but they do not breed through the same Antarctic winter sea-ice system.