Galapagos Penguin
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23005733@N00">putneymark</a> (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameGalapagos Penguin
Common NameGalapagos Penguin
Scientific NameSpheniscus mendiculus
FamilySpheniscidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsBlack upperparts, head, and throat; white underparts. A distinctive black band extends from the throat down each side of the breast, meeting in a single band across the chest. A white stripe runs from behind the eye, curving down and around the cheek to meet the black band on the throat. Small black spots are often visible on the white belly.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include braying calls, similar to a donkey, used for communication between mates and during territorial displays. They also produce softer chirps and growls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marine, rocky shores
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Galapagos Islands, primarily found on Fernandina and Isabela islands, but also on Floreana, Santiago, and Bartolomé.
Identifying Featuressmall size, black upperparts and white underparts, black band across chest, white stripe from eye to throat, found exclusively in Galapagos Islands
Description
The Galapagos Penguin is a small, flightless seabird characterized by its sleek black upperparts and white underparts, with a distinctive black band across its chest and a white stripe extending from its eye. It is the only penguin species found north of the equator, adapted to the warm equatorial waters of the Galapagos Islands where it forages for small fish.
