African Penguin

Spheniscus demersus

Cape coasts. Black breast-band on white underparts diagnostic.

Penguins

Endemic

Description

Very common to locally abundant endemic resident. Black and white facial pattern and white underparts with encircling black bar diagnostic. Individuals sometimes with double bar as (a) not to be confused with Magellanic Penguin. Chick (b) and immature (c) as illustrated. The call is a donkey-like braying, heard mostly at night. Occurs singly or in groups in coastal waters or colonies on offshore islands and mainland beaches.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

*Flightless* marine birds of the southern oceans. They are characterized by *stocky build, flipper-like wings, short legs* and, *on land, an erect stance*. They walk with a shuffling gait or, on rough terrain, a series of hops and slides in which the bill and stiff tail may be used as props. On snow and ice penguins may lie prone and propel themselves with their feet and flippers. In water the flippers are used in an oar-like action, and the feet as an aid to steering. They dive to considerable depths in pursuit of fish. *On the surface they swim with most of the body submerged, head held high*. Colours basically black and white. Sexes are alike.