World Penguin Day: The flightless birds take the spotlight!

Here are some interesting facts that will waddle right into your heart! (Compiled by: Leena Shereen B.B)

The Tuxedo Look Is No Accident

The black-and-white appearance helps penguins blend in. Dark backs hide them from predators above, and white bellies from those below. It’s called “countershading”.

Penguins Go Through a Catastrophic Molt

Unlike other birds, penguins lose all their feathers at once. This “catastrophic molt” leaves them grounded—and fasting—for weeks, as they can’t swim or hunt until new feathers grow.

Penguins Poop Every 20 Minutes

With super-fast digestion, penguins poop nearly every 20 minutes. Adélie penguins can shoot their poop up to 1.3 meters away.

Penguins Propose with Pebbles

Love is in the air—and on the ice! Male Gentoo penguins offer pebbles to impress potential mates. If accepted, it’s a pebble-perfect match!

Penguins Are Expert Divers

Emperor penguins can dive up to 530 meters deep and stay underwater for over 20 minutes! Gentoos and kings are skilled divers too.

They Slide for Fun

Penguins use their bellies to glide over ice in a move called “tobogganing.”

Penguin Dads Deserve a Medal!

Emperor penguin dads incubate eggs on their feet for over two months in the Antarctic cold while the mom’s hunt. No food, no naps—just pure dedication.

Penguins Recognize Each other by Sound

In a crowd of thousands, penguins still find their friends and family. Emperor penguins, for example, can pick out their partner or baby just by listening, in a crowded colony.