"Jackass Penguin"
I had never heard of a bird commonly called the "Jackass Penguin" (Spheniscus demersus). More politely-named the "African Penguin", it got the Jackass nickname because of its bray-like call. Today, it is found in an ever-dwindling population in southern African waters. In the first estimates in 1910, there were about 1.5 million of them; then in 2000 an estimated 200,000; and, by the year 2010 only 55,000 were believed to exist. They are considered an "endangered" species.
The picture shows a peculiar pink patch above the eye. On warm days, the penguin's blood level increases in this gland causing a darker pink color. The increased blood near the skin surface allows cooling somewhat. So, by looking at this picture, you can deduce that it was taken on a warm, sunny autumn day.
Seen at the Denver Zoo, Colorado.
"Jackass Penguin"
I had never heard of a bird commonly called the "Jackass Penguin" (Spheniscus demersus). More politely-named the "African Penguin", it got the Jackass nickname because of its bray-like call. Today, it is found in an ever-dwindling population in southern African waters. In the first estimates in 1910, there were about 1.5 million of them; then in 2000 an estimated 200,000; and, by the year 2010 only 55,000 were believed to exist. They are considered an "endangered" species.
The picture shows a peculiar pink patch above the eye. On warm days, the penguin's blood level increases in this gland causing a darker pink color. The increased blood near the skin surface allows cooling somewhat. So, by looking at this picture, you can deduce that it was taken on a warm, sunny autumn day.
Seen at the Denver Zoo, Colorado.