The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a marine (saltwater) bird in the Spheniscidae family of aquatic flightless birds. It is also known as the Peruvian Penguin.
The Humboldt Penguin has a black head with a white border that runs from behind the eye, around the black ear-coverts and chin, and joins at the throat. It has blackish-grey upperparts and whitish underparts, with a black chest band that runs down its side to the thigh. It has a pink and black beak.
Humboldt Penguin
It measures 56-70 centimetres (22-28 inches) tall.
The Humboldt Penguin is native to the Pacific Ocean along South America in the coastal waters of Chile and Peru.
It feeds on anchovies, squid, and other small fish. It has spines on its tongue to enable it to hold its prey.
The Humboldt Penguin nests in colonies on islands and rocky coasts, burrowing holes or using caves. It forms a monogamous pair. The female lays 2 eggs and both parents look after them until they hatch after 39-42 days. Both parents also look after the chicks.
Humboldt Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Location of photographs: Tbilisi Zoo, Georgia and the Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM