Believe it or not, the penguins actually groom their own feathers, and this is called oiling feathers. This oiling of stiff feathers makes them windproof that helps them during freezing snowstorms and high-speed cold winds. Oil also reduces friction in the water, which helps them to swim smoothly at a fast pace.
All penguins frequently groom their plumage to remove parasites and keep it healthy. This activity is crucial for them because their plumage under optimal conditions insulates them from the cold and icy water preventing a lethal drop in their body temperature. A gland next to the base of their tail produces a specialized oil.
How do Penguins Hunt?
Penguins are instantly recognizable and our favorite birds. They spend up to 75% of their lives in the water searching for their food. They do all of their hunting in water. Their prey can be found within 60 feet of the surface, so penguins do not need to swim in deep water. They catch prey in their beaks and swallow them entirely as they swim.
How do Penguins Preen in water?
A gland near the base of the tail secretes oil that the penguin distributes throughout its feathers. Penguins preen for several minutes in the water by rubbing their bodies with their flippers while twisting and turning. Penguins preen to keep their feathers in top condition and waterproof. On a well-groomed penguin, water rarely touches the skin.
In order to stay warm, a penguin must constantly work to keep their feathers clean, well-oiled, and waterproof. This behavior is called preening, and can be done while swimming or on land.
One idea is that when penguins pass their beaks around that area, they spread the oil throughout their feathers, keeping them healthy. Grooming behavior varies among species, while some species take care of their plumage by themselves, others, like the African penguin ( Spheniscus demersus), primp their peers and even use their legs for that.