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Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)

Humboldt Penguins are indigenous to Chile and Peru and are named after the cold Humboldt current that flows along the North and South coast of America. The beautiful birds grow to just 24 inches tall weighing at most a mere 11 pounds. They are similar to the African Penguin but smaller in size with longer flippers, recognisable for their upside down horseshoe shape on their fronts.

Humboldt Penguins have a streamlined body covered in small, dense, scale like feathers. A thin line of blubber beneath their skin and the density of their feathers keep the birds warm in the coolest of climates, although the Humboldt Penguin is one of the only warm weather penguins. The birds are superb swimmers, flying under water at up to 20 mph. The Humboldt Penguins narrow bony flippers and streamlined body allow for maneuverability and maximum speed, they spread their wings under water and use their feet and tail to steer hence the reference to "flying" in the water.

Humboldt Penguins can breed from just three years old and often pair with the same mate for several years. Female penguins lay on average two eggs, incubating them for around 40 days with the female and male taking turns to "babysit" the unborn birds. When born the new chicks are covered with grey/brown downy feathers which it will malt over the next 70 - 90 days until it resembles the brown/black colourings of its parents. Penguins recognise their offspring and their mate through a combination of voice and appearance.

Humboldt Penguins like most penguins feed on fish and squid, swallowing the slippery meal whole. To assist with the slimy dinner the penguins have very small backward pointing barbs inside their mouths to push and grip the fish whilst swallowing. Each Humboldt penguin requires an average of half a kilo of fish a day in order to survive.

Humboldt Penguins at Chester Zoo

Average weight of adult: 4kg

Average height of adult: 20 inches

Number of eggs: Normally 2

Incubation: 39 days

Life span: 20 years in the Wild

Penguins are social birds and live in large colonies. These colonies provide the birds with extra protection from predators.

Amazing Animal Fact

Although a flightless bird it has been discovered that penguins once had the ability to soar through the skies. Scientists on investigating fossils revealed that the penguin gave up flying 60 -70 million years ago for a life on land.