Peruvian Penguin
or Humboldt penguin
Scientific Name: Spheniscus humbodlti
Size
They are about 27 inches (68cm) tall. They weigh about 10 pounds (4�5kg).
Where are they found?
They breed on islands off the west coast of South America from Valparaiso
(Chile) north along the Peruvian coast. Their range is confined to the coastline
served by the Humboldt current.
What do they eat?
They feed on large shoals of fish, such as anchovies, typical of the Humboldt
current.
Main predators
They are hunted by Skuas, Gulls and Man. They have been exploited for the
mineral-rich guano.
Highlights
They are similar to the Magellanic penguin, but without the broad band across
the fore-neck. They have a narrower white superciliary stripe passing well
above the eye. The bill is heavier and longer.
The breeding season extends throughout the year. The nests are in caves and
crevices, and in sandburrows. Two eggs are laid.
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