Galapagos Island Penguins
Galapagos island penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) are endemic to the Galapagos.These penguins are the smallest in the world, and they live 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador right in the Galapagos Islands. The biggest populations can be seen mainly on the islands of
Fernandina
and Isabela. They are also present in small numbers on Bartolome,
Santa Cruz
and
Floreana
islands.
Galapagos PenguinsPenguins General Description:The Galapagos island penguins are about 50 cm tall and weight around 5 lb. They have a thin white band that runs from the eye to under their chin.
These penguins have a black head and a black band that runs in an upside-down horseshoe shape around their stomachs which extends down to their legs.The female penguins are smaller than the males but have a similar structure. Galapagos island penguins are similar to the Magellanic penguins except that the black band in the Galapagos penguin is thinner and they are smaller in size. Click here to request Free Galapagos Brochures The penguins in the Galapagos Islands were brought by the Humboldt Current, which is composed by cold waters and nutrients coming from the Antarctica. The Galapagos penguins enter into the water to cool off form the strong Equator sun and they swim slowly and graciously just with their heads above the water. But when they are looking for food they can submerge into the water using its flippers and feet to gain a great speed. In most cases they look for food close to shore and feed mostly on small fish such as sardines and mullet which are caught while they swim and dive in the ocean. Penguins feed only during the day and depend on the cold nutrient-rich ocean currents such as the Humboldt Current to bring fish for their feeding. In 1987 the Niņo Current was devastating for Galapagos penguins, almost 75% of the penguin population died because of a severe lack of food due to this current.
Less than 1,000 pairs are now living in the islands and that's why the Galapagos island penguins are considered and endangered species.On land the Galapagos penguin must be aware of its predators such as snakes, crabs, the
Galapagos hawk
and from introduced animals like dogs, cats and rats. And at the sea the penguins can be and excellent meal for:
Galapagos fur seals,
Galapagos sharks
and
Galapagos sea lions
Besides the above dangers the Galapagos penguins have to take care of their eggs that are laid under the lava rocks and also have to take care of their chicks which will be with their parents for around 60 days until they can feed for themselves in the sea. The next time you visit the Galapagos Islands don't miss the opportunity to see these gracious Galapagos island penguins living in the tropics of the Equator.
More About Galapagos:Recommended Galapagos Island Tours Cheap Air Flights to Galapagos Best Galapagos Hotel Galapagos Vacation Reviews Free Galapagos Travel Brochures
Galapagos Recommended ReadingGalapagos Islands Born of Fire This book is elegantly structured with stunning pictures of Galapagos Wildlife, Geology and Vegetation. It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (This book is just superb!)
Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands This book covers extensively from rugged Ecuador's Andean mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to serene Pacific beaches and the unique wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. (One of the most complete travel guides to Ecuador)
More Galapagos Books and Souvenirs

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