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Animal profile

Galapagos Penguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

AvesRocky volcanic coastline and lava crevices beside cool upwelling watersEndangered

Field profile

The Galapagos penguin is the smallest of the South American penguins and the only one that breeds north of the equator. It nests in lava crevices and caves that shade it from tropical sun, and feeds on small schooling fish carried in by cold currents.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-12-23

Galapagos Penguin

One penguin species breeds north of the equator

Penguins are associated with cold southern seas, but the Galapagos penguin lives at the equator, with part of its small breeding population on the northern side of it. Cold upwelling currents, not latitude, make that possible.

Read with evidence →

Galapagos Penguin | Daily Animal Facts