Spheniscus – Banded penguins

The penguins of this genus are more tropical than polar.

Black and white bands with black specks on
bellies and a bare patch of skin around their eyes are common features. It is believed that the genus Spheniscus originated in South America, with the oldest fossils from Antarctica. They breed in much warmer climates thanks to those cold, nutrient-rich currents.

These penguins nest in burrows or natural depressions of the earth to lay eggs. Contact calls, agonistic calls, ecstatic display songs, or mutual display songs are the common vocalization types.