African Penguin

The African Penguin, Spheniscus

demersus, is also called the Blackfoot
penguin. This penguin is found off the
coast of southern Africa. Penguins are
birds that cannot fly, but penguins swim
very well and spend most of their lives
in the sea. African penguins can swim at
a speed of about 4.3 to 15 miles per hour
(7-24 kph). This penguin makes a sound
like a donkey.

Anatomy:

1. African Penguins are about 2 feet (60

cm)

2. tall; they weigh from 6.8 to 8 pounds

(3.1-3.6 kg).

The male is larger and has a

longer bill than the female. There is a black stripe on the chest. Like all penguins,
African Penguins have a big head, a short, thick neck, a streamlined shape, a short,
wedge-shaped tail, and small, flipper-like wings. They have webbed feet which they
use for swimming. Penguins are countershaded; they have a lighter color on the belly
and a darker color on their back; this coloration helps camouflage them when they are
in the water, hiding them from predators.
Feathers:

Penguins have shiny, waterproof feathers that help keep their skin dry. They have
more feathers than most other birds - about 70 feathers per square inch. Once a year,
penguins molt, losing their old feathers and growing new ones. While molting (which
takes about 3 weeks), they cannot swim and do not eat.

Diet:

African Penguins are carnivores (meat-eaters) who hunt in the sea. They eat fish
(including sardines, sancord, and anchovies) andsquid.

Reproduction:

African penguins nest by burrowing into guano (bird droppings) and sand. Females
lay two eggs. The incubation period is from 38 to 42 days. Both parents guard the nest
and feed the hatchlings regurgitated food. These penguins reach maturity at 3 to 4
years of age.

Populations:

African penguin populations are declining rapidly due to many factors, including:
reduction of their food supply (by overfishing), pollution (from oil tankers), egg
harvesting by people, disease, and guano (bird droppings) removal from their nesting
grounds for use as a fertilizer.

Habitat:

The African Penguin lives in colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Port
Elizabeth (Africa). New colonies have been established on the African mainland.