Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae
About
The Magellanic penguin is a South American penguin, breeding in coastal Patagonia, including Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands, with some migrating to Brazil and Uruguay, where they are occasionally seen as far north as Espírito Santo. Vagrants have been found in El Salvador, the Avian Island in Antarctica, Australia, and New Zealand. It is the most numerous of the Spheniscus banded penguins. Its nearest relatives are the African penguin, the Humboldt penguin, and the Galápagos penguins. The Magellanic penguin was named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who spotted the birds in 1520. The species is listed as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Fun Fact
Magellanic Penguins are monogamous and return to the same burrow and partner year after year, with couples that stay together producing more chicks.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found dead in the coast next to Toltén River, southern Chile.
Diet
Preying on small pelagic fish, hagfish, cuttlefish, squid, krill, and other crustaceans, and ingest sea water with their prey.
Lifespan
25 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance