Species Type:
Birds
Common Name(s):
Humboldt penguins
Size:
Humboldt penguins can grow up to 2.3 feet (28 inches) in height.
Diet:
Humboldt penguins eat anchovies, squid, herring and other bony fishes.
Range & Habitat:
Spending most of their time in coastal waters, Humboldt penguins live along the rocky shores and islands of Peru and Chile on the west coast of South America.
Details:
Humboldt penguins are named after the Humboldt Current, a cold-water current off the coasts of Peru and Chile, where they live. These flightless birds have a black band across their chest and spotted bellies, which are unique to each individual—like a fingerprint! Webbed feet aid in swimming, but their strong claws also help them grip rocky surfaces in their natural habitat.