African Penguin
My favourite fun fact
African Penguins have special glands above their eyes that allow them to drink seawater. The glands remove excess salt from their bloodstream, which is then sneezed out through their beaks. If you've ever watched a penguin suddenly shake its head and spray tiny droplets, it may actually be getting rid of salt!
Scientific name
Spheniscus demersus
Afrikaans name
Brilpikkewyn
Description
A medium-sized black-and-white penguin with a distinctive black facial mask and a horseshoe-shaped band across its chest. The pink patches above its eyes also help regulate body temperature and become brighter when the bird is hot.
Habitat
Found along the coast and offshore islands of South Africa and Namibia, where it breeds in colonies and feeds in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current.
Interesting behaviour
African Penguins are sometimes called "Jackass Penguins" because their loud braying call sounds remarkably like a donkey. These calls help penguins locate their mates and communicate within busy breeding colonies.
