The African penguin, also known as Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a species of penguin confined to southern African waters. It is the only penguin found in the Old World. Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat. Adults weigh an average of 2.2–3.5 kg (4.9–7.7 lb) and are 60–70 cm (24–28 in) tall. The species has distinctive pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. The body's upper parts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts, which are spotted and marked with a black band.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds on offshore islands and a few mainland sites along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, notably through the Benguela upwelling region to Algoa Bay. Colonies occur on rocky shores, sandy beaches with coastal scrub, and human-protected mainland sites. At sea it forages mostly over the continental shelf in cold, nutrient‑rich waters. Birds commute daily between colonies and nearby feeding grounds and range farther when prey is scarce.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Cape penguin, it is the only penguin species breeding in Africa. The pink patches above the eyes help regulate body temperature by increasing blood flow when the bird overheats. Its braying call sounds like a donkey, which gave rise to the nickname 'jackass penguin'. Major threats include prey depletion, oiling, and habitat loss at breeding sites.
African penguin diving in Siam Center, Bangkok, Thailand
African penguin skeleton at the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
Two adults with chicks at the Boulders Beach colony in South Africa
Egg from the collection of Museum Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany
Nesting burrows of the African penguin, Boulders Beach (2017)
African penguin at the New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
African penguin at the Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, Texas, United States
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
flightless; powerful underwater pursuit diver
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often forming long-term monogamous pairs. Nests in burrows, under bushes, or in artificial nest boxes, with both parents incubating and feeding the chick(s). Adults commute between colony and feeding grounds, and juveniles disperse widely at sea before returning to breed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Famous for a loud, braying 'hee-haw' reminiscent of a donkey, used in displays and contact calls. Also gives barks and growls at close range, especially during territorial interactions.
