Animals
Class: Bird
Biome:
Conservation Status: Endangered
About this animal
Humboldt penguins share their name with the chilly Humboldt Current, which flows north from Antarctica along the Pacific Coast of South America, where this bird species is found. There are 18 species of penguin, all of which live in the Southern hemisphere, with the larger species found further south.. Humboldts’ are medium-sized penguins, averaging 28 inches long and weighing about 9 pounds. The bulk of their diet is made up of anchovies and sardines. Humboldt penguins also eat squid and crustaceans (like shrimp and krill). They don't have to drink water, since they take in seawater as they swallow their prey. But like all penguins, they have a special gland that removes salt from their bodies after they swallow saltwater. Humboldt penguins live in communal nesting colonies. Both the male and the female are responsible for incubating the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, both parents will feed the brownish-grey downy chicks. The chicks and parents recognise each other by sight and sound. Penguins' torpedo-shaped bodies are designed for moving efficiently through water. They can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. They use their wings to help them swim, and their webbed feet to steer underwater.
Did you know?
Fossilised remains of giant penguins have been found in Antarctica – they were over 5 feet tall!!
