What is a Group of Penguins Called?

What is a group of penguins called in English? Think about thousands of birds in tuxedos gathering on the icy shores of Antarctica, making a busy city of squawks and flutters. 

Penguins are very social animals and are almost never seen alone. Their strength comes from being together, whether they are swimming through deep ocean currents or huddling together to stay warm during a polar blizzard. 

Wildlife experts say that these social structures are very important for the survival of species like the Adélie and Emperor penguins as of 2026. But did you know that the name for a group of penguins changes depending on what they are doing? 

The way we talk about these birds that can't fly is just as interesting as the way they act. For example, they can float on rafts or march in marches. Read more about the group of penguins, the native of the southern pole hereon. 

What is a Group of Penguins Called?

The most common term for a group of penguins on land is a colony. According to Penguins International, these colonies can range from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of individuals. However, the terminology becomes more specific based on their location and activity:

• On Land: When they are simply hanging out or nesting, they are a colony.

• In Motion: If the group is walking (or rather, swaying) across the ice, they are aptly called a waddle.

• In Water: When penguins are floating together in the ocean, they are referred to as a raft.

This distinction helps researchers categorize penguin behavior during critical periods like breeding or foraging.

Other Collective Nouns for a Group of Penguins

Beyond the common terms, several other creative collective nouns exist. A group of younger penguins that band together for warmth and protection while parents are away is called a crèche, essentially a penguin daycare. 

In older literature and specific scientific contexts, a breeding group is often called a rookery. 

You might also hear more whimsical terms like a tuxedo, parcel, or even a formal of penguins, though these are more common in literature than in strict biological field notes.

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What is a Group of Emperor Penguins Called?

People often say the huddle when you ask them what a group of emperor penguins is called. This is because it is their most famous way of staying alive. During the harsh winters in Antarctica, when temperatures can drop to -60°C, male Emperor penguins huddle together in a big circle to stay warm.

1. The Huddle of Emperor Penguins

This is a sophisticated social structure where penguins move from the cold outer edge to the warm center, ensuring every member survives.

2. The March of Emperor Penguins

A group of emperor penguins is often called a march when they make a long journey across the sea ice to get to their breeding grounds. The famous documentary March of the Penguins by Luc Jacquet made this word popular. It describes how the penguins moved in a single file over dozens of miles.

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Interesting Facts about the Penguins as a Flock

Here are some more trivia you should know about penguins, the bird that can’t fly, to learn how they live in groups:

• Countershading Camouflage: Their famous tuxedo look is actually a way to stay alive. Their black backs blend in with the dark ocean when viewed from above, and their white bellies blend in with the bright surface when viewed from below.

• Deep Divers: Emperor penguins can dive deeper than any other bird, reaching depths of over 500 meters (1,600 feet) to find food for the colony.

• Satellite Tracking: Scientists now use satellite imagery to find new colonies by looking for guano (poop) stains on the ice, which are visible from space!

• Social Drinking: Penguins have a supraorbital gland that filters salt out of seawater, allowing the entire flock to drink from the ocean while hunting.

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While they may look like a disorganized crowd, every group of penguins is a finely tuned social machine. Recent 2026 climate reports indicate that nearly 60% of Emperor colonies are shifting their huddling patterns due to thinning sea ice. Protecting these waddles and rafts is more critical today than ever before.