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Humboldt penguins

Spheniscus humboldti

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

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.

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