Spheniscus demersus
Range
They are found along the rocky coast of Southwestern Africa.
Habitat
They live on the rocky coastline and fish in the ocean.
Body Traits
They weigh about 6.6 pounds (3kg) and are about 18 inches (45 cm) tall. They are black on back and white on the front (belly and chest) with some random black spotting. Their head is black with a prominent white stripe that winds above the eye, around the cheek and under the chin and down to the “armpit”. They also have an arching black line across the chest.
Habits
They live in large colonies but are monogamous. They are active during the day (diurnal) feeding in the water. They can swim very fast after prey. They have a loud call that sounds a bit like a donkey (which led to their nickname – the Jackass Penguin). They use their calls to attract a mate, defend nesting sites, and call to an established mate. They will take turns preening each other.
Diet
They eat fish, squid, and crabs.
Reproduction
They gather together in big groups (rookery) to breed. Females lay 2 eggs in a small hole dug under rocks. The penguin pairs stay together (monogamous). They nest near many other penguins forming a rookery. The mated pair will both feed the hatchings for up to 4 months.
Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They can live more than 25 years in the wild, which is longer than most penguins. They are considered endangered.
