Facts About Penguins

The name Penguin is Portuguese and means "fat wing." These little creatures were first documented in the 1600s by early explorers. They may look a little funny, but their bodies are designed for swimming and their color provides camouflage from predators both above and below the water.

  1. The Basics

    • Penguins are flightless birds but their flippers allow them to achieve great speeds in the water. These accomplished swimmers can achieve speeds up to 20 miles per hour. There are 17 different species of penguins and they all live in the southern hemisphere. Not all penguins are cold weather birds. Some inhabit more temperate climates like the Galapagos Islands. Unfortunately many penguin species have declining populations. A penguin's normal lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

    Feeding

    • Penguins are carnivores who thrive mainly on fish and other seafood such as krill. They spend up to 70 percent of their day under water looking for their meals. A penguin's beak has a small hook on the end which helps them catch their fish. They also have special bristles on their tongues that face towards their throats to help keep fish from slipping away. Penguins are able to drink salt water because they have a special gland that removes the salt from the water. The salt is then pushed through grooves in the penguin's bill.

    Breeding

    • Mating season varies for different species. Adult penguins, typically three to five years of age, head to nesting areas on the shore. These areas are called rookeries. The male starts the mating ritual by spreading his flippers out and arching his back. He calls loudly to the female and struts around the rookery. When he finds his mate they touch each others necks and backs. They engage in mutual singing to help learn how their mates sound. They will stay together for years.

    Staying Warm

    • Penguins are warm blooded animals with an average body temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They have a layer of blubber and down feathers to help keep them warm. Their outer feathers overlap and act as a barrier to wind and water. They use oil from their glands to help seal the feathers. If it gets very cold, groups of penguins will huddle together to help maintain their warmth.

    Predators

    • Penguins have to worry about both natural and man-made threats. They are a primary component of the leopard seal's diet. Sea lions and orcas are also dangerous to penguin populations. Adults must protect their eggs from sea birds and foxes. Illegal poaching and oil spills can greatly impact a colony. The effects of global warming are also threatening many species by causing significant changes in habitat and food supplies.