Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Humboldt penguin
Scientific name: Spheniscus humboldti
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: SPHENISCIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 50 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 15.03-07.12
Gestation: 40-42 jours
Births: 70-90 jours
Habitat:
Rocky islands and coastal cliffs of the Pacific
Description:
The Humboldt penguin is a medium-sized penguin (56–70 cm, 2.9–6 kg) with dark grey upperparts, a white belly, and a black head bordered by a white band around the eye. It is endemic to the Pacific coast of South America (Peru and Chile), nesting in guano burrows, rocky crevices, and coastal caves. Social, it forms small colonies on islands and coastal cliffs.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph the Humboldt penguin early morning or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥400 mm from a concealed hide on a rocky island or coastal cliff. Use a fast shutter speed (≥1/2000 s) to freeze its movements on rocks or water and a shallow depth of field to isolate its contrasting plumage. Keep at least 50 m distance and remain silent.
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