The Galapagos Penguin, an endemic species

The Galapagos Penguin 🐧 is an endemic species of the islands, therefore, they only inhabit this archipelago. It is one of the most popular seabirds among tourists and islanders.

These “little boys dressed in tuxedos” are the only species of Penguins that inhabit the equatorial zone. They can be seen mainly in the Western Islands such as Isabela, Fernandina, and Bartolome.

Without a doubt, taking a cruise 🚢 is the best option to meet these beautiful sea birds.

Check the best Galapagos cruises here.

Pack your camera 📷, your snorkel gear 🤿, and get ready to live an unforgettable experience!

Continue reading this post 🤓📰 and discover more about these incredible seabirds unique to the planet.

The smallest penguins in the world?

The length of the Galapagos penguin 🐧 is approximately 53 cm (21 inches) and its average weight is 1.7-2.6 kg (4-6 pounds).

This penguin of the genus “Spheniscus” is related to the African, Magellanic, and mainly Humboldt penguins who live from the north of Chile 🇨🇱 to the south of Peru 🇵🇪.

The Galapagos penguins 🐧 are the second smallest species in the world after the fairy penguins.

Galapagos Penguin Appearance

The Galapagos penguin 🐧 seems to be dressed for an important “gala party”. Because, your visit to the Galapagos Islands is an exceptional event, and the Galapagos penguins knowns.

Adults have black plumage that covers their chin and back; and most of the plumage on its chest is white. It also has white feather stripes in a “C” shape on the sides of its head.

The young, on the other hand, has a gray plumage that covers their head and back; and they have a white underside. Chicks 🐣 are covered in the fluff of soft light gray feathers.

What is the best season to visit Galapagos? More details here.

Agile and skilled underwater

Like other species of seabirds, Galapagos penguins 🐧 have a hydrodynamic body to decrease resistance to water; they are extremely agile and skilled underwater.

This endemic Galapagos bird can reach speeds of up to 35 km / h when hunting. They are “torpedoes” underwater!

Galapagos penguin diet

Their main diet includes sardines, red mullet, and anchovies 🐟, although they can also eat mollusks sometimes 🐚. Hunting is an activity carried out during the day very close to their nesting sites.

Galapagos penguins have some natural predators in the water such as sea lions and Galapagos sharks 🦈; and on land the Galapagos Hawk 🦅.

What to pack for your next Galapagos trip? 🧳👒, see more details here.

Reproduction, nesting, and rearing

In most cases, the breeding pairs 🐧🐧 are monogamous for life, the pair can produce 3 clutches of eggs per year and the females lay 1-2 eggs 🥚 per clutch. Their nest is built with rocks and twigs, they are usually located in caves or crevices in the coastal lava.

As is the case with many birds in Galpápagos, the incubation process is shared by the parents over a period of 38 to 42 days. Both parents feed the chicks 🐣 until they are between 60 and 65 days old. The chicks become completely independent between 3-6 months of age.

Interesting facts

• This penguin is the only species that can be found in the equatorial zone and that nests in the tropics.
• Unlike most penguin species, Galapagos penguin chicks do not join “nurseries” (groups).
• The Galapagos penguin has a sedentary behavior, it does not go more than 5 km from its small colonies.
• They coexist with the blue-footed booby and the Galapagos pelican.
• The Galapagos penguin is a relative of the Humboldt penguin.
• The Galapagos penguin came swimming in cold currents more than 4 million years ago.