African Penguin Juvenile
Spheniscus demersus (juvenile)
Juveniles leave the breeding colony after fledging and begin learning to hunt along the southern African coast. They feed on small schooling fish, squid, and crustaceans, using strong flippers to steer quickly underwater. Unlike adults, they have a plainer blue-grey back and lack the bold black chest band and facial markings. This stage is highly dispersive, with young birds sometimes ranging far from their natal colony before returning to breed years later.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- CR
Growth chain
- African Penguin Chick
- African Penguin Juvenile
- African Penguin