The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a medium-sized penguin found along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile in South America. As an iconic marine creature, the Humboldt penguin is known for its unique social behavior and communication methods. These penguins' calls are not only a necessary tool for survival, but also a display of the deep emotional connection between them.
Humboldt penguins have a variety of different calls that are used in different social situations. For example, when other individuals approach, they will make warning sounds, called "growls," which may be accompanied by clawing or chasing behaviors.
"In high-density populations, penguins become more territorial and aggressive, which increases the frequency of their roars."
In addition to warning calls, Humboldt penguins also use "throbbing sounds" and "short calls" to interact intimately. These sounds not only help them maintain their partnership, but also help them confirm each other's location when they cannot meet in person.
During courtship, Humboldt penguins use a unique "mating call," a long, individual call they make during the mating season to attract a mate.
"During the courtship dance, the penguins lift their heads and gently flap their wings. This posture and unique call make each penguin stand out."
With the success of mating, the partnership of Humboldt penguins will deepen and eventually form a long-term pair. This process not only demonstrates the social mobility of Humboldt penguins, but also shows their emphasis on establishing stable families.
When asking for food, young birds make a "cheep," a very soft call designed to attract the attention of their parents. During this interaction with their parents, the young birds learn not only how to obtain food, but also how to express their needs socially.
The singing behavior of Humboldt penguins is not limited to reproduction and expression of family affection, but is also closely related to their ecological environment. As the environment changes, the calls of penguins will also be affected, which reminds ecologists to pay attention to the health of the ecosystems in which they live.
"The changes in the calls of Humboldt penguins are a response to the external environment, which shows their ability to adapt in the face of challenges such as climate change."
Humboldt penguins use their diverse song styles to communicate, which not only helps them survive, but also deepens the emotional connection between them. As human activity increases, this wonderful form of communication may be threatened, prompting us to think: In the process of protecting these mysterious creatures, how can we better understand and respect their communication methods?