Humboldt Penguins

Distinguishing features Humboldt Penguins have a broad black band that runs in an inverted horseshoe shape around their fronts. The chest is dotted with a few black spots in a random pattern. Humboldt penguins are similar to African Penguins in appearance, the main differences are that the Humboldt penguins are shorter, have proportionately longer flippers and a narrower white band on the head. Photos of Humboldt penguins return to top of page
Sub-species There are no generally recognised sub-species of the Humboldt penguin. return to top of page
Height & Weight Humboldt Penguins stand about 60 cm tall. Weight varies through the year from 3 to 5 kg. return to top of page
Breeding locations
	Humboldt penguins breed on the west coast of South America and on off shore islands extending north well into the tropics. The total breeding population is estimated to be less than 3,000 pairs. The population has been declining rapidly in the last few years,.
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Nesting behaviour Nests are well excavated burrows. Two eggs are usually laid and occasionally in good years both chicks are reared. The life cycle of Humboldt penguins has not been well studied. return to top of page
Principal diet Humboldt penguins eat mostly small fish such as anchovy and sardine. return to top of page
Alternative names The Humboldt penguin has been called the "Peruvian penguin", this is not recommended since Humboldts are also found in Chile. return to top of page

Humboldt Penguin - Spheniscus Humboldti