Everyone knows that penguins live in the coldest parts of the world, but not everyone knows that there is a species that lives in warmer climes. The Galapagos penguin is an amazing bird that lives on the equator. There are a huge number of these individuals, but despite this, this bird species is considered the smallest in the penguin family.
Where do heat-loving penguins live?
These birds prefer active recreation on sandy shores. According to its name, this species of penguin lives in the Galapagos Islands. Birds of this species prefer to settle on large islands such as Isabella. They, unlike other penguin species, prefer to lay their eggs in mountain gorges and burrows.
These birds feed exclusively on fish and crustaceans, which the sea stream brings. Volcanic rocks are a favorite place where the Galapagos penguin rests. Where the penguin lives, there are practically no predators, which provides himcomfortable stay on the islands.
Appearance
Unlike other species, this one is distinguished by its small size. The Galapagos penguin, whose photo can be seen in this article, reaches a height of 55 cm. Its weight is 3 kg. These birds are most often found in black with white trim.
Like all penguins, this species has a white mark around its eyes. And white stripes along the body. The head is narrow and small, however, like the body. There are webbing on the legs. This species of penguin is very vulnerable on land as it has tiny legs and wings. They walk, waddling from one side to the other, amusingly spreading their wings to the sides.
What does the Galapagos penguin eat?
Due to its small size, this bird cannot physically cope with large prey, so it prefers small fish and other small inhabitants of sea waters. So, sardines, sprats, mullets and anchovies become the favorite delicacy of the Galapagos penguin. The short wings of these amazing birds help them move underwater.
Penguins of this species are quite social individuals, so they like to hunt in large groups. The color of the Galapagos penguin helps him hide from predators and hunt well. After all, if you look at the penguin from above, then it completely merges with the black depth, and if you look at it from below, then its color resembles the light of shallow water. For its prey, the penguin is able to dive up to 30 meters.deep, but no more.
The period of reproduction and incubation of eggs
Galapagos penguins are very romantic birds. The courtship period for this species of penguins is quite difficult and long before the male conquers the female. It includes cleansing procedures, stroking each other and hugging. The parents then start building a nest together for future offspring, which they continually upgrade to lay eggs.
When building their own nest, a couple can safely steal materials from neighboring nests while the owners are away. Once the eggs are laid, the pair take turns tending the nest, thus sharing parental responsibilities. Reproduction in Galapagos penguins occurs several times a year. Birds usually have 1-2 eggs in a clutch. Incubation of eggs usually takes 42 days. After the little penguins hatch, the parents take turns watching the nest for about a month. At the age of two months, the Galapagos penguin becomes a full-fledged adult.
Interesting facts
- Galapagos penguin is a member of the genus of spectacled penguins
- The Latin name of the bird is Spheniscusmendiculus.
- The body size of the male is much larger than that of the female.
- These birds make their nests out of pebbles and small twigs.
- If the climate is favorable, these penguins can breed all year round.
- Penguins breed at the age of 4.
- This type of penguin is an islandbird.
- Penguins live an average of 15 years.
- Penguins constantly defend their nests from predators.
- A small group of these birds can destroy up to 8,000 tons of fish stocks.
- In 2010, for the sake of this species of penguins, some species of predators were removed and a bird feeding area protected by law was identified.
- To breed this species of penguins, it is planned to build artificial islands.
Galapagos penguin, interesting facts about which are very informative and interesting, is a truly unique bird species. He has a pleasant appearance and cute habits. Tourists from all over the world gather on the islands to get a glimpse of the life of these amazing birds. It is worth noting that today the Galapagos penguins are subject to extinction, and only a person can help revive their population. Therefore, experts conduct constant monitoring of birds and tracking poachers. A reserve was created for penguins, and fishing is limited in the sea. Access to birds during the breeding season is strictly limited.
