The Humboldt penguin is a bird of the spheniscus genus, found in South America. Its name is derived from the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, who explored the area in which the penguins are found in the 18th and 19th century.
On the day we visited the zoo these little guys were all out sunning themselves instead of in the water. The birds are known to "
fly" underwater by using their wings much like flippers, steering themselves with their feet and tail. When doing this, these penguins can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour. Humboldts also are waterproof, with their stiff feathers acting as a protective barrier against the water. Also, when feeding, these birds swallow their food whole, without chewing.
This was the only little guy with wet feathers.
'Maybe nobody will notice if I close my eyes just for a minute.'
'Uh-oh, she caught me!
36 comments:
they're adorable!
Carletta, what a cool looking bird. I love the penquins, your photos are wonderful.
They're beautiful!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
They are just beautiful close-ups Carletta which I think really capture the birds character.
Such a nice serie of photos!
Marvelous Carletta!!! That very first photo is like its watching me...very closely!!!!
Carletta: What fun shots from the zoo. Nicely captured and posted.
Great photos of interesting birds.
So cute! They look cuddly...but I'm sure they aren't. ;)
Penguins are just so fascinating.
Great to see in zoos, but far more exciting in their natural sea environment.
There are "colonies" of "fairy penguins" around Sydney harbour.
You can watch them from the pier, ferry terminal and the sailing club deck at Manly. They whiz around after their food - small fish. And boy oh boy can't they move fast. There are very prominent signs up to tell people not to feed them - BUT!!! Some people can't read.
Great blog and your Humboldt penguins sure look great.
Cheers
Colin (Brisbane.Australia)
So cute - you got some great photos!
Awesome dudes! Super photos.
Wonderful photographs, I like to admire such views. I am greeting
These are unusual penguins. Must have been fun watching them.
Nice picture of some cute penguins.
Hanne Bente
Splendid little birds - I've not seen these in the wild or in captivity.
We are lucky enough to have penguin colonies along the south coast near us - they are great birds to watch!
Thanks for linking to WBW.
Stewart M - AUstralia
he seemed to pose for you nicely--fun post today.
Well, how cool is that?
They seem to have feathers on their beaks!!
Was a Grandchild with you??
I love taking Grands to the zoo.
It wears the calluses off my heart.
Oh so cute!! I meant to respond to your comment on my art journal blog sooner....being a scrapper it was difficult on my first few pages to go from 'perfect' to 'messy'...however, it is becoming easier ;)
Adorable pictures ! They have such cute faces !
These are fantastic captures! They are so cute.
Beautiful birds ;-)
Céline & Philippe
WOW, look at the beak in your first picture. I could sit and watch them for hours.
When we went to the Henry Doorly Zoo we got to pet a penguin. I was surprised at how soft they are.
Great shooting...and nice facts to go with.
so cute. awww!! (:
So cool...very cool!:)
Great shots and info on the Humboldt Penguin. I see they have dots on their chest.
Fascinating creatures! Beautiful photos, too. :)
Oh! These little guys are adorable and you caught some great shots of them :)
They are just adorable! I love the sleepy baby!
wow, that is something you don´t see every day. Adorable and you got such great shots. Thanks for sharing. :)
I Love,love,love your endearing captures!
Awwwww...they are adorable!
I have never seen these cuties before. Thanks for taking me along on your armchair tour at the zoo.
I love Penguins, and these are just the "cats meow" I even have a small collection I bring out at Christmas. You got beautiful clear shots Carletta.
Just darling! Love that shot with the eyes shut tight.
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