Galápagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Galapagos Penguin is the second smallest penguin species, characterised by its black upperparts and white underparts. It has a distinctive white band that runs from behind the eye, around the black ear coverts and chin, to join the white of the throat.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having a darker, more bluish-grey plumage. During the breeding season, adults develop a mottled appearance on their formerly white front due to moulting.
Size
Length
48cm to 53cm
Wingspan
40cm to 45cm
Weight
1.7kg to 2.6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Pink Black
Leg Colour
Black Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Galapagos Penguins are endemic to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. They are the only penguin species found in the wild north of the equator. They primarily inhabit the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina.
These penguins prefer cool, nutrient-rich waters brought by the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents. They nest on the rocky coasts of the islands, often in caves or crevices that provide shelter from the sun.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 40 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Galápagos 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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional underwater agility, capable of 'flying' through water at speeds up to 35 km/h and making precise movements to catch small fish. While less graceful on land, they maintain reasonable mobility through waddling and hopping over rocky terrain.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not amongst the largest penguins, they possess robust swimming muscles enabling them to dive up to 30 metres and effectively pursue prey. Their compact build allows them to manoeuvre through strong currents in their coastal habitat.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Remarkable adaptability to equatorial conditions, unique among penguins, with specialised features like salt glands and thermoregulation abilities. They've adapted to breed year-round based on food availability, though they remain vulnerable to El Niño events.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally social and peaceful birds that live in small groups, showing limited aggression except when defending nests or competing for mates. Their cooperative breeding behaviour and mutual preening suggest a relatively mild temperament.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates solid endurance through regular diving activities and the ability to maintain efficient hunting in nutrient-rich waters. Their capacity to swim at considerable speeds whilst foraging, combined with their ability to make multiple dives, reflects good stamina.
Diet
Galapagos Penguins primarily feed on small schooling fish such as anchovies, sardines, and mullet. They are opportunistic feeders, also consuming squid and crustaceans.
These penguins typically forage in shallow coastal waters, diving to depths of up to 30 meters to catch their prey.
Behaviour
Galapagos Penguins are excellent swimmers. When hunting, they use their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 35 km/h. On land, they waddle upright or hop over rocks.
These penguins are social, often seen in small groups, and engage in mutual preening to strengthen bonds.
Vocalisation
Galapagos Penguins have a variety of vocalisations. Their most common call is a loud, braying 'hee-haw' sound, similar to a donkey's bray.
During courtship, they produce softer, more musical whistles and trills. When alarmed, they emit sharp, staccato barks.
Nesting & Breeding
Galapagos Penguins form monogamous pairs and can breed year-round, though peak breeding occurs when marine food is abundant. Courtship involves mutual preening and vocalisations.
Nests are built in sheltered locations such as lava tubes, caves, or crevices in rocks. The female typically lays two eggs, though often only one chick survives.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 38-40 days. After hatching, chicks are guarded for about 30 days and fledge at around 7-8 weeks old, though parents continue to feed them for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as Endangered due to its small population and limited range. Major threats include climate change, which affects food availability, and introduced predators.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, predator control, and monitoring population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them along the rocky shores of the Galapagos Islands, especially on Isabela and Fernandina.
- Best observed during early morning or late afternoon when they're most active.
- Watch for their distinctive diving behaviour near the shore.
- Join a guided tour for the best chances of spotting these rare penguins.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Galapagos Islands Penguin
Family:
SpheniscidaeAverage Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Max Lifespan
17.7 years [4]
Predators
Main predators include Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, sharks, and introduced species such as cats and rats on the islands.
Did You Know?
- Galapagos Penguins are the only penguin species that lives on the equator.
- They have special adaptations to expel excess salt from their bodies through glands near their eyes.
- During El Niño events, their population can decrease by up to 50% due to food shortages.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2020. Spheniscus mendiculus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22697825A182729677.
View source - 2 4
report: Boersma et al. 2013, 2015
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