Galapágos Penguin

By Karey Fuhs

The endemic Galápagos Penguin (Sphensicus mendiculus, pinguino) is the only species of penguin found north of the equatorial line that breeds in the tropics. At only 35 cm tall, the Galápagos penguin is also one of the world’s smallest penguins. Adults have black outer feathers, white under feathers, an irregular black band across the breast, and a distinctive white stripe passing from the eye to the throat.

There are only about 1,000 monogamous pairs of Galápagos penguins, which can breed at any time of year when resources are plentiful and water temperatures are cool. They will lay one or two eggs in shady holes or caves nestled along the shoreline. Pairs will take turns incubating the egg, for a period of about 40 days. Chicks can fend for themselves after two months, but often stay in swimming groups with the adults.

Galápagos penguins can best be seen at Punta Espinosa (Fernandina), at various west coast Isabela visitor sites, Bartolomé, and Floreana.