Galapagos Penguin - Spheniscus mendiculus
Galapagos, Isla Isabela (Endemic and Vulnerable)
Penguins are not the only flightless birds in the world today, although they are the most diverse group. In fact, the 18 unique species in their family make up less than a third of the world’s flightless bird species. Penguins evolved for life in the water, losing their flight in favour of swimming and diving abilities.
There are other seabirds that have lost their flight for similar reasons. The Flightless Cormorant (Nannopterum harrisi) of the Galapagos Islands is an interesting surviving example, while the Great Auk (Pinguinis impennis) was pushed to extinction in the mid-19th century.
Flightlessness isn’t only useful for swimming birds. Several land birds have lost their flight in favour of a terrestrial lifestyle. Ratites like Ostriches, Rheas, Emus, and Cassowaries have become giants of the bird world that can run at impressive speeds.
THANK YOU for your visits, comments and favs
Galapagos Penguin - Spheniscus mendiculus
Galapagos, Isla Isabela (Endemic and Vulnerable)
Penguins are not the only flightless birds in the world today, although they are the most diverse group. In fact, the 18 unique species in their family make up less than a third of the world’s flightless bird species. Penguins evolved for life in the water, losing their flight in favour of swimming and diving abilities.
There are other seabirds that have lost their flight for similar reasons. The Flightless Cormorant (Nannopterum harrisi) of the Galapagos Islands is an interesting surviving example, while the Great Auk (Pinguinis impennis) was pushed to extinction in the mid-19th century.
Flightlessness isn’t only useful for swimming birds. Several land birds have lost their flight in favour of a terrestrial lifestyle. Ratites like Ostriches, Rheas, Emus, and Cassowaries have become giants of the bird world that can run at impressive speeds.
THANK YOU for your visits, comments and favs