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African Penguin

Spheniscus demersus

Endangered
Small but mighty, this charismatic penguin waddles along South Africa's beaches as one of the continent's most remarkable seabirds.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The African Penguin is a medium-sized penguin with a distinctive black and white plumage. Its back, flippers, and head are black, while the underparts are white with a horseshoe-shaped black band across the chest and flanks.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having a duller, blue-grey plumage. Adults have pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. Their beak is black, with a white band near the base.

Size

Length

60cm to 70cm

Wingspan

50cm to 60cm

Weight

2.4kg to 3.7kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Pink

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The African Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The African Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The African Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The African Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The African Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The African Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The African Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The African Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The African Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The African Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The African Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The African Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

African Penguins are found along the southwestern coast of Africa, from Namibia to South Africa. They inhabit rocky islands and coastal areas, nesting on land but spending much of their time foraging in the ocean.

While primarily resident, some individuals may travel long distances in search of food, especially outside the breeding season. Their range is limited to areas influenced by the cold Benguela Current, which supports their prey species.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 50 meters

Climate zones

Subtropical, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a African Penguin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Namibia South Africa
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Angola Mozambique
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Congo Gabon

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Whilst awkward on land, African Penguins display remarkable agility underwater, reaching speeds of 20 km/h and executing precise movements during deep dives up to 130 metres. They can also navigate rocky terrain effectively despite their waddling gait.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

These medium-sized penguins possess considerable strength for their size, enabling them to swim against strong currents and capture fast-moving prey. Their robust build (2.4-3.7 kg) and powerful flippers allow them to 'fly' underwater with impressive force.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

African Penguins demonstrate good adaptability through their ability to thrive in both marine and terrestrial environments, cope with varying temperatures, and adjust their foraging patterns based on prey availability. They can also process seawater through specialised glands.

Aggressiveness 65

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whilst not overly aggressive, these penguins display assertive behaviour when defending their nests and colonies. They maintain territories during breeding season and will actively protect their young from predators, using vocalisations and physical deterrence when necessary.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their endurance is evidenced by their ability to dive for up to 2.5 minutes, swim long distances in search of food, and survive in challenging marine conditions. They also endure lengthy fasting periods during their 21-day moulting process, demonstrating remarkable stamina.

Diet

African Penguins primarily feed on small pelagic fish such as anchovies, sardines, and herrings. They are opportunistic feeders, also consuming squid and small crustaceans.

These penguins can dive up to 130 meters deep and stay underwater for up to 2.5 minutes while hunting their prey.

Behaviour

African Penguins are highly social, often seen in large colonies on land and in small groups when foraging at sea. They are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 20 km/h.

On land, they waddle upright or hop over rocky terrain, showing remarkable agility despite their awkward appearance.

Vocalisation

The African Penguin's most distinctive vocalisation is a loud, braying call that sounds remarkably like a donkey's bray, earning them the nickname 'Jackass Penguin'.

Their repertoire includes various honks, barks, and growls used for communication within the colony. During courtship, pairs often engage in a 'duet' of loud, raucous calls.

Nesting & Breeding

African Penguins form monogamous pairs and breed annually, typically between March and May. They nest in burrows dug in guano or under boulders and bushes on coastal islands and mainland sites.

Females usually lay two eggs, which both parents incubate for about 40 days. The eggs are pale green-blue and roughly the size of a chicken egg.

Chicks are fed regurgitated fish by both parents and fledge after 60-130 days, depending on food availability. They remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks after fledging.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Endangered [1]

African Penguins face significant threats, including overfishing of their prey species, oil spills, and climate change impacts on their breeding habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, artificial nest box provision, and rehabilitation programs for oiled birds. Despite these efforts, their population continues to decline rapidly.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

41,700 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Visit coastal areas of South Africa and Namibia, especially protected colonies.
  • Look for their distinctive black and white plumage on beaches or rocky shores.
  • Listen for their donkey-like braying calls, especially during breeding season.
  • Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing nesting sites.
  • Join guided tours at conservation areas for the best viewing opportunities.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Jackass Penguin, Cape Penguin

Family:

Spheniscidae

Average Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Max Lifespan

27.3 years [4]

Predators

Main predators include Cape fur seals, sharks, and occasionally killer whales at sea. On land, eggs and chicks are vulnerable to kelp gulls, sacred ibises, and mongoose.

Did You Know?

  1. African Penguins have a unique pattern of black spots on their chest, as individual as a human fingerprint.
  2. They can drink seawater, thanks to special glands that filter out excess salt.
  3. These penguins moult all their feathers at once, spending about 21 days on land during this process.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Spheniscus demersus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697810A157423361.

    View source
  2. 2 3 4

    website: Kemper 2015, Hagen 2016

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