family

Penguins are amazingly loyal and caring animals that take care of their families in ways comparable to humans. In most species, male and females are monogamous. Emperor Penguins, for example, usually mate for life. Often, in some species, the monogamy is just for the season, usually due to a penguin's difficulty in finding its mate. Courtship involves three main displays, "ecstatic" (or trumpeting by the males), "mutual" (joint display), and "bowing" of their heads. Ultimately, it is the female that chooses her mate.

Most penguins lay two eggs in their "clutch," or nest (except for the "great penguins" which lay only one). Unfortunately, only one chick normally survives, but that one chick is well cared for and protected. The male and female parents normally take turns feeding the penguin, and in some species juveniles are gathered in groups while the parents hunt. After several months, the chick is able to feed on its own.