Magellanic Penguin
A species of Banded penguins Scientific name : Spheniscus magellanicus Genus : Banded penguins
Magellanic Penguin, A species of Banded penguins
Botanical name: Spheniscus magellanicus
Genus: Banded penguins
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Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Flints , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Magellanic penguins are medium-sized penguins which grow to be 61–76 cm (24–30 in) tall and weigh between 2.7 and 6.5 kg (6.0 and 14.3 lb). The males are larger than the females, and the weight of both drops while the parents raise their young. Adults have black backs and white abdomens. There are two black bands between the head and the breast, with the lower band shaped in an inverted horseshoe. The head is black with a broad white border that runs from behind the eye, around the black ear-coverts and chin, and joins at the throat. Chicks and younger penguins have grey-blue backs, with a more faded grey-blue colour on their chest. Magellanic penguins can live up to 25 years in the wild, but as much as 30 years in captivity. Young birds usually have a blotched pattern on their feet, which fades as they grow up into adulthood. By the time these birds reach about ten years of age, their feet usually become all black. Like other species of penguins, the Magellanic penguin has very rigid wings used to swim under water.
Size
76 cm
Life Expectancy
25 years (wild), 30 years (captivity)
Nest Placement
Burrow
Feeding Habits
Magellanic Penguin primarily consumes small fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. It forages by diving, using its wings for propulsion. Unique adaptations include counter-current heat exchange in extremities, aiding in extended foraging times in cold waters.
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin typically dwells in coastal regions, favoring marine environments particularly during migration. They are inclined to build nests along beaches, amid sand dunes, and on clay hills. Occasionally, magellanic Penguin may choose forested areas or grassy slopes for nesting purposes. They generally forage in nearshore waters, avoiding the deep sea.
Dite type
Piscivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
The provincial government of Chubut is committed to the creation of a MPA in order to protect the penguins and other marine species near the largest Magellanic breeding colony. The creation of a MPA would likely improve the breeding success of the colonies as well as increase prey availability, reduce foraging distance, and increase feeding frequency.
Photo By Flints , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Penguins Family
Penguins Genus
Banded penguins Species
Magellanic Penguin