Males are generally slightly larger than their female counterparts. African penguins are also widely known as “jackass” penguins, for their donkey-like bray . African penguins communicate with one another through vocalizations and body language.
How did the jackass penguin get its name?
Derivation of scientific name
The species name demersus is Latin meaning plunging or sinking, referring to its diving behaviour. The common name ‘jackass' refers to its call , which sounds similar to that of a donkey, even though most other penguins produce a similar sound.
How many jackass penguins are there in the world?
The African Penguin is also called the jackass penguin. How many African Penguins are left in the world? There are 140,000 African Penguins left in the world.
Why do Jackass penguins live in Africa?
African penguins live in colonies on the coast and islands of southern Africa. ... To keep dry and insulated in cold water, African penguins are covered in dense, water-proof feathers . These feathers are white on the belly and black on the back, which aids in camouflage.
How do Jackass penguins mate?
To attract a mate, both sexes utter a call similar to the braying of a donkey , which is the reason why they are sometimes referred to as “jackass penguins.” African penguins typically make depressions for their eggs in sand, on bare ground, in guano deposits, or under bushes and rocks.
What animal eats African penguins?
Predators: African penguins face predation by gulls, feral cats and mongoose while nesting on land, sharks and fur seals prey on African penguins in the water.
What are penguins babies called?
Penguin babies, called “ chicks ,” are covered in fuzzy down feathers which help to keep them warm. They look quite furry – but this isn't fur – it is feathers. Penguins share many observable traits found in other birds as well. They have beaks, wings, lay eggs, have feathers, and incubate their eggs.
Do penguins eat meat?
Penguins are carnivores; they eat only meat . Their diet includes krill (tiny crustaceans), squid and fish. Some species of penguin can make a large dent in an area's food supply.
Does Africa have penguins?
African penguins can be found in large colonies along the southwestern rocky coast of Africa from Namibia to Port Elizabeth , and many of the surrounding islands. The largest colony is located on Dyer Island.
How tall are African penguins?
NATURAL HISTORY. DESCRIPTION: This penguin grows to be about 26.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs between 4.4 and 11 pounds. It has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter.
How much does a African penguin cost?
Depending on its breed, age and the breeder, a penguin can cost anywhere from $500 to more than $20,000 from classified ads we have researched. Since penguins can't live alone, more than one will likely have to be adopted to ensure they live a healthy life.
How long do Jackass penguins live for?
The average lifespan of an African penguin is 10 to 27 years in the wild , and up to 30 in captivity. Primary predators of African penguins include sharks and fur seals.
Can penguins drink sea water?
Although penguins do not directly drink water , it is taken in when they engulf prey. As a result, saltwater enters their system and must be effectively excreted. ... The penguin excretes the salt byproduct as a brine through its bill. Often, the fluid drips out, and this gives the appearance of a runny nose.
Are African penguins monogamous?
Like all penguin species, African penguins are monogamous , with breeding colonies mostly on rocky offshore islands. African penguins are mature at 2 – 3 years of age. After courtship, the female lays two eggs and both parents incubate the eggs. The eggs hatch at about 40 days and fledge at 60 – 130 days.
How long can penguins hold their breath?
Emperor penguins can hold their breath for an amazing 20 minutes ! They dive under the ice in the cold oceans around Antarctica when they hunt for food.
