Galapagos Penguin - Spheniscus Mendiculus
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Distinguishing features
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Galapagos Penguins have a narrow white band from the eye extending
under the chin and a black band that runs in an inverted horseshoe shape
around their fronts. Although the pattern of banding on Galapagos penguins
is similar to that on Magellanic Penguins, they are easily distinguished.
Magellanic Penguins are considerably larger than Galapagos Penguins and
the main black band around the front is much thinner on Galapagos Penguins. |
Height
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Galapagos Penguins stand 40 to 45 cm tall |
Weight
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Weight varies through the year from 1.6 to 2.5 kg. |
Breeding locations
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Galapagos penguins breed on the Galapagos Islands on the equator (and
on the north coast of Isabela Island just north of the equator!). The breeding
population is estimated to be as low as 800 pairs. |
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Nesting behaviour
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Nests are rudimentary burrows. Two eggs are usually laid but only one
chick reared. Incubation takes 38 to 40 days shared equally between both
parents. Chicks are brooded and guarded for 30 days after hatching with
feeding and guard duties shared between the parents. Chicks moult and go
to sea when 60 to 65 days old. |
Principal diet
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Galapagos penguins are believed to eat mostly fish such as mullet and
sardine, but no detailed studies have been published. |
