Bird

Humboldt Penguin Facts Spheniscus humboldti

BirdPacific coasts of Peru and Chile along the Humboldt CurrentCarnivore

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a medium-sized penguin.

Habitat: Marine
Diet: Anchovies and sardines supported by the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current

Classification

Family: Spheniscidae. Order: Sphenisciformes.

Humboldt Penguin Habitat

Humboldt Penguins live in Marine and Coastal habitats. Their recorded range includes Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile along the Humboldt Current. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Humboldt Penguins Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Anchovies and sardines supported by the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current.

Humboldt Penguin Conservation Status

Humboldt Penguin is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region: Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile along the Humboldt Current
Habitat: Marine, Coastal
Diet: Carnivore
Size: About 65 cm (25.5 in) tall
Weight: 4.37 kg

Fun facts

Large bare-skin patches around the eyes help Humboldt penguins release heat in their warm coastal habitat.
They can dig nest burrows in sand or guano.
Depending on the colony, breeding may occur around March–April or September–October.

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