Maneuverability of the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) during swimming

Canadian Journal of Zoology
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Abstract

Analyses of high-speed film of captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) show that there is no correlation between the radii of submerged turns and swimming speed. The sharpest turns had a mean turn radius (n = 5) of 0.14 m (0.24 body lengths), were powered by beating wings, and used multiple steering structures (beak, tail, feet, wings) and a flexing body. This turn radius is similar to that of fast-swimming fish with rigid bodies and lunate tails but is greater than that of slower fish with flexible bodies. The maximum turning rate was 10.05 radians s−1. Maneuverability is augmented by neck-extending strike behavior and porpoising leaps.

Suggested Citation

Hui, C.A., 1985, Maneuverability of the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) during swimming: Canadian Journal of Zoology, v. 63, p. 2165-2167, https://doi.org/10.1139/z85-318.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Maneuverability of the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) during swimming
Series title Canadian Journal of Zoology
DOI 10.1139/z85-318
Volume 63
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher Canadian Science Publishing
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 3 p.
First page 2165
Last page 2167
Additional publication details