Penguins are a family of 17 to 19 species of birds that live primarily in the southern hemisphere. Throughout their first three weeks the chicks are attended to constantly. Emperor Penguin National Geographic Depending entirely on species, penguins generally mate for life. Do penguins breed for life . Over the next five weeks adults visit them only to feed them regurgitated food. Their heavier bones counteract the birds' natural buoyancy, making them very quick swimmers. First, every year male and female penguins get together to mate. However, there are some species like the emperor penguin which is serially monogamous; Penguins can swim up to. Contrary to popular belief, emperor penguins do not mate for life; The females arrive a few days later, and after courtship, the male and female pair complete their nest together. Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have countershaded dark and white plumage and flippers for swimming. Most penguins feed on kri...