We will explain the characteristics, ecology, habitat, and origin of the name of Magellanic penguins. Magellanic penguins live in relatively warm areas, so they easily adapt to human environments, and some people keep them in captivity. I will explain in detail about Magellanic penguins.
Basic information about Magellanic penguins
Magellanic penguins are birds that belong to the Humboldt penguin genus (Cape penguin genus). It is also known as the Patagonian penguin. The scientific name is Spheniscus magellanicus. This species is about 70cm long and can be found near the coasts of southern South America, such as Argentina and Chile.
| Japanese（和名） | マゼランペンギン、パタゴニアペンギン |
| English（英名） | Magellanic penguin |
| scientific name(学名) | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| classification（分類） | Sphenisciformes, Spheniscidae, Spheniscus ペンギン目ペンギン科ケープペンギン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Height（身長） | 70cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-5kg |
What will happen to the classification? What is the origin of the name?
There are four species of Magellanic penguins in the Humboldt penguin genus (Cape penguin genus). However, the problem is that all penguins in the Cape penguin genus look similar, making it difficult to tell them apart. Therefore, some scholars believe that they are the same species. The name comes from the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. While he was traveling through the area, he discovered this penguin and named it the Magellanic penguin.
| 名前：Name | 属名：Group | 生息地:habit |
| ガラパゴスペンギン(Galapagos Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | ガラパゴス諸島 galapagos islands |
| ケープペンギン(African Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | 南アフリカ South Africa |
| フンボルトペンギン(Humboldt Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | チリ Chile |
| マゼランペンギン(Magellanic Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | 南アメリカ太平洋岸 south america pacific coast |
About the Magellanic Penguin Habitat
Magellanic penguins live along the coastline from Argentina to Chile. In rare cases, they have been found wandering into Australia and New Zealand.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The Magellanic penguin has a black beak with a yellowish-white tip. Its most distinctive feature is that its legs are black and there are two black bands on its chest. Magellanic penguins are migratory birds that swim in the sea in colonies. They breed on the coasts of Patagonia and the Falkland Islands around April, and migrate north to the central coasts of Peru and Brazil, before returning home. They move according to the season when food is available.
What will your personality look like?
Humboldt penguins tend to have the same overall personality, and some individuals are more thoughtful than others.
What is the ecology of Magellanic penguins?
Magellanic penguins, like other penguins, feed on fish and crustaceans. During the breeding season, they become aggressive and will readily fight if another male is near their nest. They can bite you with their beaks or hit you with their flippers, causing serious injuries. They breed in September and lay two eggs. The lifespan is estimated to be about 15 years.
What are the natural enemies of Magellanic penguins?
Magellanic penguins’ natural enemies are great shearwaters and skuas, and their eggs and chicks are often targeted.
Are Magellanic penguins an endangered species?
The population of Magellanic penguins is stable, but their numbers are decreasing and they are said to be an endangered species. Estimated population is 1,200,000 birds. It is predicted that the population will decline due to the following reasons.
fishing competition
The human population is also increasing, which means they are taking more fish. As a result, the Magellanic penguins have no fish to eat, making it difficult to secure food in the vicinity. Furthermore, due to climate change, it is becoming difficult to find food nearby. Sea surface temperatures are also rising due to the El Niño phenomenon, which is critical.
Marine pollution from petrochemicals
Habitat contamination by petrochemicals is a problem. Their numbers are decreasing throughout the Southern Hemisphere due to oil spills. The reality is that many penguins die every time there is a tragedy such as an oil spill.
Is it possible to keep Magellanic penguins?
The population of Magellanic penguins is decreasing and it is extremely difficult to obtain them. The only option is to have the aquarium or zoo give it to you. However, it is also recommended because it can easily adapt to the environment where humans live.
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