Magellanic penguin

Spheniscus magellanicus

Status

Near Threatened

Activity Period

Diurnal

Classification

Bird

Warm water swimmers

Magellanic – pronounced “madge-eh-lan-ick” – penguins are a South American penguin and one of 14 species of warm-weathered penguins.

tiger licking cage

Habitat

Magellanic penguins split their time between the ocean and coastal beaches.

Range

Primarily found along the coastlines of Argentina and Chile and the Falkland Islands, although sometimes as far north as Brazil.

Life Expectancy

On average, these penguins live up to 15 years in the wild. Under human care, that can double.

Diet

Penguins loves seafood: fish, squid, and krill are top favorites in the wild. At Zoo Boise, herring, smelt, and capelin are on the menu.

Social Structure

Penguins are social birds. They rely on a variety of vocalizations to find their mates, chicks, and friends.

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