Penguins stamp catalogue

1,637 items

Penguins are non-flying birds of the order Sphenisciformes. They are adapted to a marine life and to cold conditions, such as at the South Pole. However, most species live in less cold conditions. More

Penguins are non-flying birds of the order Sphenisciformes. They are related to the petrels and albatrosses and (a little further away) to the sea divers. They are adapted to marine life and cold conditions. Many species are found in the South Pole. However, most species live in less cold conditions. The Galapagos penguin is even found on the Galapagos Islands, near the equator. However, they find their food in the cold gulf streams. Penguins' diet consists mainly of fish, squid and krill. They are also found along the coasts of South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. They mainly inhabit islands along the coast. Predators are often absent here. In the sea they can fall prey to sharks, sea lions and orcas. On land they have to watch out for egg- and juvenile-hunting birds, such as the great skua. However, humans pose the greatest threat. Global warming, overfishing, oil spills and imported animals are causing many penguin species to decline rapidly. Despite this, penguins are popular as evidenced by their appearance in Madagascar penguins, Happy feet and Pingu. This popularity can also be found on postage stamps, especially from island kingdoms in the subantarctic region.

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Number of stamps

1,637

Number of related items

Oldest item

Fin whale and penguin (1929)