The oil not only serves as an insulation, but it also reduces friction, helping penguins in gliding smoothly through the water. Why do raptors have oily feathers penguins then make their feathers waterproof by spreading an oily substance on their tales produced by a gland in the tail in a process called ‘preening’.
Some penguins have the opposite problem. The Galapagos penguins live in such tropical weather that they get too hot. These penguins spread out their wings and fluff out their feathers to help them cool off.
Why do penguins have double layers of feathers?
To preserve heat, they have a dense double layer of feathers – about 70 feathers per square inch – large fat reserves and, proportionally, smaller beaks and flippers compared to other penguins. This all helps prevent heat loss.
Emperor penguins reputedly have the highest feather density of any bird, with around 100 feathers per square inch of skin (15 per square centimeter). This “fact” crops up on Wikipedia and a host of other websites, and seems to trace to a statement made in a 2004 National Geographic news story.
What do penguins have under their skin?
Just like whales, penguins have a layer of fat under their skin called “blubber”. Overtop of this they are covered with fluffy “down” feathers and overtop of those they have their outer feathers which overlap to seal in warmth. Penguins rub oil from a gland onto their feathers to help make them waterproof and windproof.
You should be wondering “How do penguins keep warm?”
Penguins rub oil from a gland onto their feathers to help make them waterproof and windproof. Even so, penguins often need help to stay warm. In photos and video, you’ll often see groups of penguins huddled shoulder to shoulder with their wings tight against their body keeping each other warm.
How do emperor penguins survive in Antarctica?
Emperor’s are well adapted to thrive in the freezing conditions of the Antarctic. To preserve heat, they have a dense double layer of feathers – about 70 feathers per square inch – large fat reserves and, proportionally, smaller beaks and flippers compared to other penguins.
For me, emperor penguins are the iconic Antarctic species. When I first saw them on the ice, I was struck by their serene grace and intricate beauty. Delicate gold patches adorn their chest like an artist’s brushstroke against their otherwise black and white plumage.