Bird · GBIF taxon 5229384
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersusAlso known as Cape Penguin, South African Penguin, Jackass Penguin, Black-footed Penguin
African penguins communicate through donkey-like braying calls that help partners locate each other within crowded breeding colonies. Distinctive pink patches above their eyes function as thermoregulatory glands, flushing red with blood to cool the body on warm sunny days. Breeding pairs dig deep nest burrows in guano or coastal sand to shelter their eggs and young from midday heat.
FlightlessMarineColonial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardine
- Anchovy
- Squid
Predators
- Cape Fur Seal
- Caracal
- Kelp Gull
ThreatsOverfishing, oil spills, climate change, habitat degradation, feral predators
HabitatsCoastal waters, rocky islands, mainland beaches, guano deposits
Life span10–27 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySpheniscidae
- SpeciesSpheniscus demersus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp beaks can deliver a painful bite if cornered; maintain a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by black upperparts, white belly with a black horseshoe band and spots, and distinctive pink skin patches above the eyes.
- Support conservation
- Keep at least 3 meters away, stay on established footpaths, and never block a penguin's path between the sea and its nest.
Responsible observation
- Observe from Boardwalks: Use designated walkways at mainland colonies like Boulders Beach to prevent disturbing nests.
- Watch for Body Language: Back off if a penguin turns its head sideways, produces a loud braying call, or sways rhythmically.
- Check Under Vehicles: Inspect beneath parked cars near coastal areas, as penguins often seek shade underneath.
Equator Cousin (c) Morten Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Morten Ross · cc-by
Marine Predator 
Nest Robber Godot13 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-saClose Relative Close Relative
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