African Penguin Chick
Spheniscus demersus (chick)
Downy chicks remain in shaded nest burrows, rock crevices, or scraped hollows at coastal breeding colonies. They depend on adults for regurgitated fish such as anchovies and sardines and spend much of their time begging, sleeping, and huddling for warmth. Their soft grey-brown down is not waterproof, so they cannot safely forage at sea until they grow juvenile feathers. A notable feature is their loud begging call, which helps parents recognize and feed them in a crowded colony.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- CR
Growth chain
- African Penguin Chick
- ?
- African Penguin