Scientists have uncovered the fossils of prehistoric penguins in Peru. Evidence from the fossils suggests that these giant penguins, called water king penguins (Inkayacu paracasensis), had reddish-brown colors on the underside of their wings. But that’s not the only unusual thing about this ancient bird–it was also about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall!

Learn more about the giant water king penguin on National Geographic News.

Get the facts on emperor penguins, the world’s largest living penguins.

Illustration courtesy Katie Browne, U.T. Austin