Penguin Species Profile
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
The only penguin species found in Africa, well known for its distinctive mate-attracting call that resembles a donkey braying.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Population Trend
Decreasing
Species Facts
Essential profile data
Scientific name
Spheniscus demersus
Name origin
They are the only penguin species that live in Africa
Estimated population
9,900-15,000 breeding pairs
Colony size
<10,000 breeding pairs
Average lifespan
20 years
Weight range
3-3.3kg
Maximum height
71cm
Diet
Anchovies, sardines, redeye, juvenille hake, horse mackerel and less cephlapods and crustaceans
Predators
Sharks, cape fur seals, orcas, cape clawless otters, leopards, kelp gulls
Adaptations
Pink eye glands that release body heat
Geographic breeding range
Namibia, South Africa
Appearance
Chick and adult comparison
Chick Appearance
A layer of brown or dark grey feathers covering whole body except for most of the face (typically under the dark brown eyes) and (sometimes) belly. They fall off as they morph into their adult bodies and grow adult feathers.
Adult Appearance
Face, beak, flippers, feet and backside of the body are black. The belly, neckline and side of the face are white. Each African penguin has a unique pattern of black spots on its belly. Eyes are dark brown and have patches of naked pink skin above them to release excess body heat.
Fun Fact
African penguins are often referred to as ‘jackass’ penguins because of the ‘donkey-braying’ like sounds they make, particularly males to attract females during mating season.