African penguins, also known as jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call, are native to the southwestern coast of Africa. They are medium-sized birds, typically standing about 2 feet tall and weighing between 5 to 11 pounds. Their black and white plumage helps them blend into their ocean environment, providing camouflage from predators. These penguins primarily inhabit islands and coastal regions, where they nest in burrows or under vegetation. They feed mainly on small fish and squid, using their excellent swimming skills to catch prey. African penguins are currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss and overfishing.