The African penguin is the only penguin that lives in Africa. It is about two feet tall. It weighs about seven pounds. The African penguin has a black back and a white belly. There are white markings that start on the top of its forehead and run down to its feet.
The African penguin builds its nest by burrowing into sand or guano. Guano is bird droppings that have become very hard. The African penguin is different from other penguins because it can lay eggs any time during the year. It usually lays two eggs. The male and female take turns caring for the eggs and the chicks.
Most penguins live in very cold weather. The African penguin lives in very hot weather. It has many feathers, so it has to do things to keep cool. The African penguin only moves around during dusk and dawn. It makes its nest in the shade. If the penguin does not have eggs or chicks, it will spend the day swimming in the water.
The African penguin is endangered. Water pollution, oil spills, and people taking the eggs for food are hurting the African penguin.
