Photo: putneymark / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) — Penguins of South America.
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The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is a member of the Spheniscidae family found in South America. Adults weigh 1.9 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Sphenisciformes
- Family Spheniscidae Penguins
- Genus Spheniscus
- Species mendiculus
Quick facts
- Weight
- 1.9 kg
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Spheniscidae
- Order
- Sphenisciformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Critically Endangered
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Galapagos Penguin hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of open sea and coastal waters, it swims and feeds in and around water.
Migration
The Galapagos Penguin is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) belongs to the Spheniscidae family of the order Sphenisciformes. It is found across South America. Its distribution covers SA w Galápagos.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 1.9 kg, with a wing length of about 8.3 cm and a tail of around 2.6 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 1,041 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Galapagos Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is a very large bird that weighs around 1.9 kg.
Where does the Galapagos Penguin live?
The Galapagos Penguin is found across South America with a range covering SA w Galápagos, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Galapagos Penguin belong to?
The Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) belongs to the Spheniscidae family, in the order Sphenisciformes.
What does the Galapagos Penguin eat?
The Galapagos Penguin hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Galapagos Penguin migrate?
The Galapagos Penguin is partially migratory: some populations move with the seasons while others stay resident year-round.
Is the Galapagos Penguin endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
How large is the Galapagos Penguin's range?
The Galapagos Penguin has a mapped global range of about 1,041 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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