African Penguin

(Spheniscus demersus)

African penguins are covered in an array of black, white, and gray dense, waterproof feathers that keep them dry and warm in the cold waters. They also have a number of dot-like markings flecked across their white chests. These flecks help to individualize each penguin, as each penguin’s feather pattern is as individual as a person’s fingerprints. African penguins have a distinct, sharply pointed beak and black feet. They are one of the smallest penguin species.

African penguins are carnivores that primarily eat small, schooling pelagic fish such as sardines, anchovies, pilchards, and mackerel. They also consume squid and small crustaceans. A penguin may eat up to one pound of food or 14 percent of its body weight per day.

African penguins are found along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. Penguins build nests in sand or deposits of their excrement, called guano, or under bushes or rocks. Shelter gives them protection from the harsh sun during the hot African days.

African penguins communicate with one another through vocalizations and body language. Each individual has its own unique vocalization that distinguishes it from others. They use three different types of calls: a bray, used to attract a mate; a yell, used to defend their territory; and a haw, used by mates to locate each other when one is on land and one is at sea. When a penguin is feeling aggressive, it communicates through body language like gaping, pointing its bill, pecking, and bill-jabbing.

Information collected from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/african-penguin and https://animalia.bio/african-penguin