Hobbies And Interests
Habitat and Threats
Humboldt penguins prefer a warm climate and remain more or less in the same temperate waters year-round. The penguins make their home on rocky shores, often near cliffs or on islands, in Peru and Chile. They are not threatened by natural predators; however, they are threatened by humans, especially through disturbances to their food chain because of hunting and changes to currents due to significant weather changes, such as El Nino patterns.
Breeding
The birds breed throughout the year based on their food supply, preferring to breed when food is readily available. A penguin becomes fully mature within a period of five years, between ages 2 and 7. Female Humboldt penguins lay one to three eggs, and both the male and female take turns caring for the eggs until they hatch, primarily by incubating them -- an activity that takes about 40 days.
Appearance
Humboldt penguins are, on average, about 27.6 inches (70 centimeters) in length and weigh approximately 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms), making them a relatively small bird. Males are slightly larger on average than females. These penguins resemble most other species of penguin, having similar plumage, except that they have a thick, white band that appears across their throat. Small black patches or spots also may appear on Humboldts, especially on their breasts and sides.
Other Facts
The birds are known to "fly" underwater by using their wings much like flippers, steering themselves with their feet and tail. When doing this, these penguins can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Humboldts also are waterproof, with their stiff feathers acting as a protective barrier against the water. Also, when feeding, these birds swallow their food whole, without chewing.