Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Penguins

African Penguin

Spheniscus demersus

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.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the African Penguin.

Loading sightings...

💬 Discussion

Loading comments...

Enter your name and email to join the discussion

Your email is kept private and never shared.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the African Penguin requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

View Pro Optics

Expedition Prep

Targeting the African Penguin?

Build a custom travel itinerary around these hotpot clusters using our trip planning suite.

Open Planner