Kingdom : Animalia Class : Aves Family : Sphenscidae Scientific Name : Spheniscus Mendiculus Size(H) : 48cm - 50cm (19in - 20in) Weight : 2kg - 4kg (4.4lbs - 8.8lbs) Life Span : 15 - 20 years Colour : Black, White, Grey Skin Type : Feathers Distinctive Features : Small body size and fully black head
- Galapagos Penguins are a small species of penguins found in the Galapagos Islands.
- They are the only species of penguins to live near the equator and to cross it and go to the northern hemisphere.
- They are the third smallest species of penguins and grow to an average height of 48-50cm.
- They have a black head with a white border running around their eyes, ears, chin and throat.
- They also have two distinct black bands across their breasts, with the lower on extending to their thighs.
- They are known to molt before they breed, which may be twice a year.
- Interestingly, though they mostly stay out of water when they molt, they are capable of going into the warm water to feed.
- They are carnivores feeding on krill, small crustaceans, squids and fish.
- They have numerous predators in crabs, snakes, owls, hawks, sharks, fur seals and sea lions.
- They breed once a year, on an average and the pairs are known to be faithful to each other.
- Typically, the female lays about two eggs, of which only one hatches.
- The eggs are incubated, and the chicks are looked after by both the parents till the chicks are a year old.
- Galapagos Penguins are endemic to the area and are unable to adapt to sudden environmental changes.
- Due to this, they are an endangered species today.