Scientific name:
Pinguinus impennis

Natural spread:
northern hemisphere

this since 1844 wiped out Riesenalk (Pinguinus impennis) was the original bearer of the name "Penguin." In contrast to the today living Alkenarten, it was unairworthy, however also a good swimmer and divers. Because of its astonishing size, it became approximately 78 cm long and until heavily 5 kg, it was valued as food and was hunted mercilessly: The trustful birds let themselves carry off only far too easily.

Only as stuffed Bälge in museums, Riesenalke are to be seen still today. These diving-birds big until 78 cm became in the first half of the 18. Century wiped out. they had relatively small wings, with which however, they could fly no more.