Galapagos penguin: dwelling, food, interesting facts

Everyone knows that penguins live in the coldest parts of the world, but not everyone knows that there is a species that lives in warm lands. The Galapagos penguin is an amazing bird, living on the equator. These individuals have a huge number, but despite this, this species of birds is considered the smallest in the family of penguins.

Where do heat-loving penguins live?

These birds prefer active recreation on sandy beaches. According to its name, this species of penguin lives on the Galapagos Islands. Исабелла . Birds of this species prefer to settle on large islands, such as Isabella . They, unlike other species of penguins, prefer to lay eggs in the gorges of mountains and burrows. Feed on these birds exclusively fish and crustaceans, which brings the sea flow. Volcanic rocks are a favorite place where the Galapagos penguin rest. Where the penguin dwells, there are practically no predators, which provides him with a comfortable stay on the islands.

Appearance

Unlike other species, this one is distinguished by its small size. The Galapagos penguin, whose photo can be seen in this article, reaches a height of 55 cm. Its weight is 3 kg. These birds are often found in black color with a white finish. Like all penguins, this species has a white mark around the eyes. And white stripes along the body. The head is narrow and small, however, like the body. On the legs there are membranes. This kind of penguin is very vulnerable on land, since it has tiny legs and wings. They walk, rolling from one side to the other, amusing their wings in amusement.

What does the Galapagos penguin eat?

Due to its small size, this bird can not physically cope with large prey, therefore prefers small fish and other small inhabitants of sea waters. So, sardines, sprats, mullets and anchovies become the favorite delicacy of the Galapagos penguin. The short wings of these amazing birds are good at helping them to move underwater. Penguins of this species are quite social individuals, so they like to hunt in large groups. The color of the Galapagos penguin helps him hide from predators and hunt well. After all, if you look at the penguin from above, it completely merges with the black depth, and if you look at it from below, then its color resembles the light of shallow water. For its prey, the penguin can dive to 30 meters deep, but no more.

Period of reproduction and incubation of eggs

Galapagos penguins are very romantic birds. The courtship period for this species of penguins is rather difficult and long before the male will conquer the female. It includes cleansing procedures, ironing each other and hugging. Then the parents begin the joint construction of the nest for future descendants, which they are all the time modernizing up to the deposition of eggs. When building your own nest, a couple can safely steal materials from neighboring nests while the hosts are away. After the eggs are laid, the couple begins to follow the nest in turn, thereby sharing the parental responsibilities. Reproduction of the Galapagos penguins occurs several times a year. In masonry, birds usually have 1-2 eggs. The incubation of eggs usually takes 42 days. After the little penguins hatch, parents for about a month continue to follow the nest in turn. At the age of two months, the Galapagos penguin becomes a full-grown adult.

Interesting Facts

• The Galapagos penguin is the representative of the genus of spectacle penguins
• The Latin name of the bird is Spheniscusmendiculus.
• The size of the male body is much larger than that of the female.
• из камушков и маленьких веточек. These birds create nests from pebbles and small twigs.
• With a favorable climate, these penguins can reproduce year-round.
• Penguins multiply at the age of 4 years.
• This species of penguins is an island bird.
• Penguins live an average of 15 years.
• Penguins constantly protect their nests from the attack of predators.
• A small group of these birds can destroy up to 8,000 tons of fish stocks.
• In 2010, for this species of penguins, some species of predators were removed and the bird feeding area protected by law was defined.
• To build this kind of penguins, it is planned to build artificial islands.

Galapagos penguin, interesting facts about which are very informative and interesting, is a truly unique species of birds. It has a pleasant appearance and cute habits. Tourists from all over the world gather on the islands to at least one eye to look at the life of these amazing birds. It is worth noting that to date, the Galapagos penguins are prone to extinction, and only a person can help revive their population. Therefore, experts conduct constant monitoring of birds and tracking poachers. For penguins, a reserve was established, and fishing is limited in the sea. Access to birds during the breeding season is strictly limited.