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Aves - Neognathae - Sphenisciformes - Spheniscidae - Spheniscus - Spheniscus humboldti

Right Tarsometatarsus (Right Fused Element Consisting of Ankle and Middle Foot Bones) of a Spheniscus humboldti (Humboldt Penguin)


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Species Description
The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a South American Penguin that swims in the cold water current, the Humboldt Current. Its nearest relatives are the Galapagos, African, and Magellanic penguins. This penguin species is characterized by a body 26-28 inches in length and a weight of 8-13 pounds. The penguin has a black head, black upperparts, white underparts, a white border starting from behind the eye and around the ear to the throat, a black breastband stretching to the thighs, reddish brown eyes, and a bill that is larger than that of the Magellanic Penguin. Penguins have spines on their tongues which help to hold and catch prey such as small fish, squid and krill. It nests on rock coasts and islands and lays two equally sized eggs in burrows and rock crevices. Similar to other penguin species, the Humboldt Penguin returns to its place of birth in order to breed. Due to habitat destruction and overfishing, the population of this species is declining. Humboldt Penguins are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, there are only an estimated 3,300 to 12,000 Humboldt Penguins left. If we do not step up to the plate to stop this destruction, Humboldt Penguins will be extinct within a couple of decades.
Skeletal Elements Available

Left Tarsometatarsus (Left Fused Element Consisting of Ankle and Middle Foot Bones)

Right Tarsometatarsus (Right Fused Element Consisting of Ankle and Middle Foot Bones)

Right Humerus (Right Upper Arm Bone)

Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone)

Sternum (Breast Bone)

Furcula (Wishbone)
External Links
Encyclopedia of Life
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