Humboldt Penguin

scientific name

Spheniscus humboldti

size

Feathers. ~.83"
Height. 15-18"
Weight. 9 lbs.

characteristics

Bones. solid (as opposed to hollow bones in flying birds) " act as ballast while diving
Feathers. 2 layers " top layer lies flat & overlaps to stop wind & water " bottom layer "downy" for warmth
Feeding. speed (can swim 30 mph) " agile in water
Feet. webbed " serve as rudder " claws at end for climbing
Insulation. 80% due to feathers " 20% due to blubber
Molting. catastrophic (all feathers at once) " July-Sept " ~10 days
Mouth/Tongue. backward-pointed spines hold fish
Skeleton. similar to flying birds " large keel attaches muscles " wings flattened like oars
Wings. adapted to flippers for "flying" through water

reproduction/life span

Breeding. any time of year
Nest. caves " under protected areas
Eggs. 1-3 (average 2) " incubate 40 days
Young. eat regurgitated food " try swimming ~3 mos.

diet

"fish eaters"
Wild. fish & squid
Zoo. smelt or herring injected with vitamins

habitat/range

coastal islands " Peru & Chile " found only in southern Hemisphere

status

CITES App I " SSP " studbook

other

Jan '93. of the ~225 in captivity in North America, the MWPZ has 38

oregon zoo exhibit

Penguinarium