- Spheniscus
Taxobox
name = "Spheniscus"
fossil_range =Late Miocene /Early Pliocene - Recent
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image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Spheniscus demersus", the African penguin
regnum =Animal ia
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
penguin s 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 ofChile andArgentina while the Galápagos Penguin is native to theGalapagos 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 fromprehistoric 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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