Galapagos Penguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

The Galapagos Penguins are the least noisy of all other penguin species. They are a member of the banded group of penguins.

Common Name: Galapagos Penguin

Scientific name: Spheniscus mendiculus

Population: 600 breeding pairs

Weight and height: 2.5 kg, 49 cm – 55 cm

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Conservation status: Endangered

Population Trend: Decreasing

Geographic Breeding Range: Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)

Prey/diet: Engraulidae, South American pilchard and mullet, Salema, striped herring or Pacific piquitingas, fish in the families Sphyraenidae and Carangidaeas, well as some crustaceans.

Distinguishing physical characteristics: On both sides of the head, a narrow white line of feathers extends from behind the eyes, around the ear, and down to join at the throat. A dark throat band and a second dark band on the upper breast runs down toward the legs on both sides of the body. Pink patches of bare skin are noticeable around the base of the bill and the eye during the breeding season. The lower mandible of the bill is pink with black at the tip. Upper mandible is black. Chin has a small patch of white feathers. Feet and legs are black, eyes are brown.