Humboldt penguins are named after the Humboldt Current that flows along the west coast of the Americas. These penguins live on the mainland coast and islands of Chile and Peru, on rocky shores near cliffs. Unlike Antarctic penguins, Humboldts inhabit hot, dry coastlines. The ideal air temperatures for Humboldt penguins range from 32 degrees to 70 degrees, while their ideal water temperatures range from 25 degrees to 75 degrees.

Humboldt penguins are 15 to 18 inches tall and weigh about nine pounds. All Humboldts are similar in appearance, but males are noticeably larger than females. Penguins are very social and tend to live in large colonies where they huddle together for protection from predators. They live in nests lined with feathers. The average lifespan of a penguin in the wild is 20 years. In zoos, they can live up to 30 years.

Humboldt penguins normally live in saltwater, but research has shown that they can also live in freshwater. Penguins mostly feed on small, schooling fish, such as anchovies and sardines. A special gland allows them to drink saltwater. However, they prefer to drink freshwater. Each year, prior to moulting, the penguins go through a "fattening" period to increase their body weight by 50 to 70 percent. While molting, the penguins eat little or no food for up to four weeks.

Like all penguins, Humboldt penguins cannot fly. They have dense feathers that protect their bodies from the elements. Their bodies are designed to swim and they use their tails and feet to steer. They have good vision both above and below the water.

Humboldt penguins have unique voices that make it easy for mates and offspring to identify each bird. Humboldt penguins are monogamous and both parents incubate two eggs for 35 to 38 days. After the eggs hatch, both parents care for the chicks.

Humboldt penguins are endangered. It is estimated that there are only 12,000 to 30,000 Humboldt penguins in the wild. Threats to their existence in the wild include: El Nino, guano harvesting, the fishing industry, oil spills, disturbances caused by researchers and tourists and the introduction of predators such as rats, cats and dogs.

Did You Know?  

• that Humboldt eggs are only incubated for 35-38 days before the chicks hatch!

• that Humbolts are one of the most timid species of penguins.
  
• that Humbolt penguins have a unique voice that makes it easy for each to be identified by his or her mate and offspring.
  
• that Humboldt penguins have bodies made for swimming, that allow them to "fly" through the water at speeds up to 20 miles per hour

Trivia

How many Humboldt penguins are currently in the North American breeding program?

A) 150

B) 172

C) 230

D) 257

Fun Fact

Humboldt penguins lose ALL of their feathers each year and replace them with new ones when they moult. During moulting, penguins eat little or no food and do not go in the water for two to four weeks! (You will be able to watch the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's moulting penguins in their indoor shelter!) Two of the zoo's penguins are in the moulting process now at the zoo. Come and watch as they begin to get their new feathers!)

The answer to the trivia question is 230 Humboldt penguins.