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Humboldt Penguins

Source: H. Zell

Scientific Name: Spheniscus humboldti

The Humboldt Penguin is a member of the banded group of penguins.

Estimated Population:

16,000 breeding pairs

Weight and height:

4.2 kg – 5.0 kg, 67 cm - 72 cm

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Prey/Diet:

Anchovies, silversides, jack mackerel, Patagonian squid, Southern Ocean squid, Humboldt squid, crustaceans

Conservation Status:

Vulnerable

Source: Shannon Derthick

Population trends:

Decreasing arrow

Distinguishing physical characteristics:

Head is black with a thin white band extending from above the eye, down each side of the head to the throat and running further down the sides of the body to the legs. A single wide black band runs in an upside-down U shape across the breast and down to the legs. Black spots are scattered across the breast. Bill is black with a gray vertical stripe. Bare pink patches of skin are present at the base of the bill and extend to the eyes. Legs and feet are black, eye is reddish brown.

Source: Pooja's Laboratory

Geographic Breeding Range:

Chile; Peru

Fun Fact:

Humboldt Penguin populations were first devastated by the mining of guano deposits for use as fertilizer, in which the species prefers to nest.

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