Which penguin species is named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt?

The Humboldt penguin is named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt.

This penguin lives along the Pacific coast of South America, especially in Peru and Chile. Its range is influenced by the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, which flows northward along the western coast and supports abundant marine life.

Humboldt penguins nest in coastal burrows, caves and guano layers. Guano, accumulated seabird droppings, historically provided nesting cover and was also harvested as a valuable fertiliser, reducing suitable breeding habitat in some places.

The Humboldt penguin resembles the Magellanic penguin, but the two species have different ranges and identifying details. Humboldt penguins generally have a single black breast band, while Magellanic penguins typically show two black bands across the chest.