Humboldt Penguin Factfile

Scientific Name : Spheniscus humbolti

World Distribution

They come from the coasts of Chile and Peru, where the sea is cooled by the Humboldt current ( that's how they got their name.)

Habitat

Although some types of penguin live in frozen places, Humboldts actually live in tussocky grassland close to the sea. It can get quite hot!

Feeding

They eat fish, which they grab with their sharp strong beaks whilst swimming underwater. Spiny tongues help to grab the fish and push it backwards as the penguin swallows.

Predators

Humboldts are eaten by leopard seals, killer whales, sharks and skuas (big sea birds). Chicks are in danger when the parent birds are off fishing , so they huddle together in groups for protection.

Breeding

Penguins pair for life. They make nests in caves, where they burrow into guano (dry bird droppings) . Usually two eggs are leaid, and both parents help to keep them warm. The chicks are fluffy and helpless when they are born, and rely on their parents to bring them food until they are about 3 months old. They do not grow adult feathers until they are over a year old.

Other interesting information

• Penguins have two layers of feathers to keep them warm and dry: the bottom layer is thick and soft but the top layer has closely packed little feathers which are kept well oiled.

• Their eyes have specially flattened corneas ( the outer transparent parts of the eye), which gives them good underwater vision - very useful when pursuing fish.
  
  

  Facts and Figures
  Name	Humboldt penguin
  Type of animal	bird
  Where found	South America
  Habitat	sea and coast
  Diet	carnivorous
  Average length	60 cm
  Average weight	4.5 kg
  Average number of young per year	2
  Egg incubation	40 days
  Maximum lifespan	14 years
  Note for Teachers

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