Spheniscus

Spheniscus

Taxobox
name = "Spheniscus"
fossil_range = Late Miocene/Early Pliocene - Recent


image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Spheniscus demersus", the African penguin
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
subphylum = Vertebrata
classis = Aves
ordo = Sphenisciformes
familia = Spheniscidae
genus = "Spheniscus"
genus_authority = Brisson, 1760
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Spheniscus demersus" "Spheniscus mendiculus" "Spheniscus humboldti" "Spheniscus magellanicus"

The genus "Spheniscus" ("wedge-shaped") contains four living species of penguins collectively known as "the banded penguins", due to their similar coloration. They are sometimes also known as "Jack-ass penguins" due to their loud locator calls sounding similar to a donkey braying. Common traits include a band of black that runs around their bodies bordering their black dorsal coloring, black beaks with a small vertical white band, distinct spots on their bellies, and a small patch of unfeathered or thinly feathered skin around their eyes that can be either white or pink. All members of this genus lay their eggs and raise their young in burrows.cite book| last = Ellis| first = Richard| authorlink = Richard Ellis (biologist) | title = No Turning Back: The Life and Death of Animal Species| publisher = Harper Perennial | date = 2004| location = New York| pages = p. 69 | isbn =0-06-055804-0 ]

Ranges

The African, Humboldt, and Magellanic species all live in more temperate climates such as South Africa and the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina while the Galápagos Penguin is native to the Galapagos Islands, making it the most northerly of all penguin species. The "Spheniscus" penguins are not (and apparently never were) Antarctic.

pecies

Extant

The four extant (living) species of banded penguins are::

Fossil

Several extinct species are known from prehistoric fossils:

* "Spheniscus muizoni" (Pisco Middle Miocene of Cerro La Bruja, Peru)
* "Spheniscus chilensis" (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C Andean coast)
* "Spheniscus megaramphus" (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C Andean coast)
* "Spheniscus urbinai" (Late Miocene/Early Pliocene of C Andean coast)

The former "Spheniscus predemersus" is now placed in a monotypic genus "Inguza".

References

External links

* [http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/efc_splash/splash_meet.asp Monterey Bay Aquarium Penguins Page]
* [http://www.pinguins.info www.pinguins.info : information about all species of penguins]


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