Every person knows that penguins live in the coldest parts of the world, but not everyone knows that there is a species that lives in warm regions. Galapagos Penguin is an amazing bird living on the equator. There are a huge number of these individuals, but despite this, this species of bird is considered the smallest in the penguin family.
Where do thermophilic penguins live?
These birds prefer outdoor activities on sandy shores. According to its name, this species of penguin lives on 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 brought by the sea stream. Volcanic rocks are a favorite place where the Galapagos penguin rests. There are practically no predators where the penguin lives, which ensures a comfortable 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 a white finish.
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. On the legs there are membranes. This species of penguin is very vulnerable on land, as it has tiny legs and wings. They walk, swaying 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 physically cannot cope with large prey, therefore, prefers small fish and other small inhabitants of sea waters. So, the favorite delicacy of the Galapagos penguin are sardines, sprats, sprats, mullet and anchovies. The short wings of these amazing birds help them move well underwater.
Penguins of this species are quite social individuals, therefore 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, its color resembles the light of shallow water. For its prey, the penguin is able to dive up to 30 meters in depth, but nothing more.
The breeding and hatching period of eggs
Galapagos penguins are very romantic birds. The courtship period for this species of penguin is quite complicated and long before the male conquers the female. It includes cleaning procedures, stroking each other and hugs. Then the parents begin the joint construction of a nest for future descendants, which they constantly upgrade up to the laying of eggs.
When building their own nests, steam can safely steal materials from neighboring nests while the owners are absent. After the eggs are laid, the couple begins to monitor the nest in turn, thereby sharing parental responsibilities. Breeding in Galapagos penguins occurs several times a year. In clutch, birds usually have 1-2 eggs. Egg hatching usually lasts 42 days. After the little penguins hatch, the parents continue to take turns monitoring 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 representative of the genus of spectacled penguins
- The Latin name for the bird is Spheniscusmendiculus.
- The body size of the male is much larger than that of the female.
- These birds create nests from pebbles and small twigs.
- In a favorable climate, these penguins can breed all year round.
- Penguins breed at the age of 4 years.
- This species of penguin is an island bird.
- Penguins live an average of 15 years.
- Penguins constantly protect their nests from attack by 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 the territory of bird feeding protected by law was determined.
- To breed this species of penguin, the construction of artificial islands is planned.
Galapagos penguin, interesting facts about which are very informative and interesting, is a truly unique species of birds. It has a pleasant appearance and cute habits. Tourists from all over the world gather on the islands to take a glimpse at the life of these amazing birds. It is worth noting that today Galapagos penguins are subject to extinction, and only a person is able to help revive their population. Therefore, experts conduct continuous monitoring of birds and tracking poachers. A reserve was created for penguins, and fishing is limited in the open sea. Access to birds during the breeding season is strictly limited.