The Aves class of chordates contains many species. Aves are vertebrates that lay eggs, and have wings and feathers. Animals in the Aves class are commonly known simply as birds. Birds live all over the world, from The Equator to the poles.
One species of aves is the
Sphensicus Demersus also known as the African, Black foot, or Jackass penguin. This penguin is the only species of penguin to be found on the entire continent of Africa. They inhabit the southern shoals. African penguins live in large groups called colonies.
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African penguins reproduce sexually and lay 2 eggs, both the mother and the father take turns incubating the eggs, and feed the babies for about a month after hatching. This breed of penguin is monogamous, and has 1 mate for life. These penguins reach sexually at 4(female) and 5(male) years of age. African penguins leave their colony at between 2 and 4 months of age.
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African penguins hop on land, and can swim at speeds of up to 12.5 m/ph. Their main food source is pelagic fish like anchovies, and they do sometimes eat squid or crustaceans. Penguins can stay under water for about 2.5 minutes while hunting. because they breathe using lungs, penguins(and other birds) can't stay under water for long periods of time.
This species is also known as the Jackass penguin because of loud braying sounds used for communication.
