African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="african-penguin"></birdfyi-bird>Recognizable by the single black horseshoe-shaped band across its white breast, the African Penguin is the only penguin to breed on the African continent, along the southwestern coast from Namibia to Port Elizabeth. Pink patches of bare skin above the eyes help it shed heat in a warmer climate than most penguins endure. It forages within about 40 km of the colony, diving to depths of up to 130 metres after sardines and anchovies. Pairs nest in burrows, beneath boulders, or in surface scrapes on rocky coastlines and offshore islands, incubating two eggs for around 38 days; chicks fledge at 70 to 80 days. Its loud, donkey-like braying earned the nickname 'jackass penguin', and breeding beaches ring with grunts and contact calls. Dependent on dwindling fish stocks, the species is classified as Endangered.
About
The African penguin is the only penguin species native to the African continent, also called the jackass penguin for its donkey-like braying call. Their population has plummeted over 95% since pre-industrial times due to egg collection, oil spills, and competition with commercial fisheries for sardine and anchovy stocks.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 60.0 cm | 23.6 in |
| Wingspan | 42.0 cm | 16.5 in |
| Weight | 3100.0 g | 109.35 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Black upperparts and white underparts with a distinctive black horseshoe-shaped band across the breast. Pink patches of bare skin above the eyes help with thermoregulation.
Bill
Sturdy, pointed, black bill with a grey band near the tip
Habitat & Range
Rocky coastlines and offshore islands of southern Africa. Nests in burrows, under boulders, or in surface scrapes.
Geographic Range
Coastal southwestern Africa from Namibia to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The only penguin species breeding in Africa.
Diet & Feeding
Small schooling fish, especially sardines and anchovies. Forages within 40 km of the colony, diving to depths of up to 130 meters.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: BU. Incubation: 38 days. Fledging: 70-80 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
A loud, donkey-like braying 'waaah-waaah' — hence its nickname 'jackass penguin'. Also gives softer grunts and contact calls at the colony. Highly vocal on breeding beaches.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes (Penguins) |
| Family | Spheniscidae (Penguins) |
| Genus | Spheniscus |
| Species | Spheniscus demersus |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Brillenpinguin |
| Spanish | Pingüino Africano |
Distribution
African Penguin has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the African Penguin eat?
Where does the African Penguin live?
Is the African Penguin endangered?
How does the African Penguin nest?
What does the African Penguin sound like?
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What order and family does the African Penguin belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Spheniscidae family