Each bird is different, even ones that belong to the same species. If you look closely enough, then you’ll spot the minute details that make each living creature in this world unique.
When it comes to birds, penguins are considered very different, peculiar even, if you ask us.
Just how different are they? Why don’t we find out?
Here’s How Penguins Are Different From Other Birds:
Penguins are different from other birds mainly because they are flightless birds specialized in living in aquatic habitats. Yes, there are a few other bird species that are flightless, but none of them are as unique as penguins.
While penguins may not fly, they certainly glide through the water. Their bodies are meant exactly for this kind of lifestyle and habitat. Penguins also spend almost as much time in the water as they do on land. As a matter of fact, an Emperor penguin can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes.
We considered precisely how they are different from other birds in more detail below.
9 Ways That Penguins Are Different From Other Birds
Penguins Can’t Fly
There’s true flight, and then there’s just gliding. A lot of species in this world utilize the two techniques to travel, hunt, or escape predators. But, as mentioned, penguins are completely flightless birds. They’ve been that way for millions of years.
It’s said that the penguins’ ancestors did not have a need for flying because they were already so good as swimmers. Some say that it’s because of their preferred meal. We know how they love to munch on fresh fish, right? So, who needs flight, really?
Apparently not the penguins.
They Are Excellent Swimmers
Penguins are fantastic swimmers. Emperor penguins, for example, are known to swim up to nine kilometers per hour.
Instead of wings for flight, they’ve evolved their “arms” into flattened and tapered flippers that assist them tremendously in swimming and hunting their favorite meal. Their tapered body also helps a lot to propel themselves forward quickly when in the water.
Feathers for the Win
Many birds rely on their feathers, but penguins rely on theirs a bit differently. They don’t just keep them warm but actually keep them safe from predators when in the water.
The color black absorbs heat, and this keeps the penguins warm in their chosen habitat, which is, by the way, often freezing cold. Black feathers on their backs also help camouflage them when swimming in the water, so they are safe from harm.
Where They Live
Penguins are unique amongst other birds because they choose mainly to live in the Southern hemisphere. And, just to clear up some confusion, there are no penguins in the north pole at all.
Some penguins, though, wander in the Galapagos as the only wild penguins north of the equator. Of course, there are also penguins found in captivity across the world (born and raised or otherwise), with some also found in Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand.
How They Travel
Penguins are excellent swimmers, and they can be scary for their prey when in the water. Their predators, mainly the sharks and the seals, which are known to be very good swimmers themselves, will even have a very challenging time catching one.
But, did you know that when on land, penguins have a rather unique way of traveling that no other birds do?
This is called tobogganing, where penguins lay on their bellies and propel themselves to slide across the ice. Their flippers and their feet steer, push, and act as brakes when they do.
Penguins are also known to waddle (walk) very long distances, but when needed, they toboggan instead.
How They Nurture Their Young
Penguins are known to take good care of their young until they are ready to be independent. Penguins are known as one of the most social birds in the world. This means that they love staying in groups or colonies.
And they do so for a lot of different reasons. Penguins are super-intelligent creatures known to have great memories. When they nurture their young, they do it in groups.
This increases their chances of survival.
Penguins are also known to hunt in groups, travel by colonies, and fight predators in numbers. Yikes! You don’t want to mess with that.
Hopelessly Romantic?
Penguins have always been a symbol of love. Why? Because penguins mate for life. When it’s mating season, they make sure to get back to their breeding ground and look for their partner.
And yes, they remember exact spots. Remember how we said that penguins are intelligent creatures? There you go.
Imagine swimming hundreds, if not thousands, of miles just to be with your partner. Romantic, huh?
Penguins are only known to switch partners if they think their old one has passed away.
Bones Built Differently
Birds that do fly have bones that are filled with air. This is to, naturally, keep them in flight for longer periods. Penguins do not have bones like that. They have solid bones that are meant for swimming and to keep them buoyant.
Most would think that penguins are squishy and fluffy to hug, but they are not. They actually have solid bodies, so they won’t be as squishy as one expects. They are slippery, too.
No Land Predators?
Yes! Penguins do not have land predators.
This is one of the reasons why they are not afraid of humans. We think this is also a good time to inform you that they do not mingle with polar bears in the wild, too, because the latter lives only in the north pole.
They can get curious about humans but are not afraid of us. “You’re not going to eat me, so why should I run away?” is essentially their attitude.
Wrapping Up
Penguins are truly one of the most fascinating creatures in this world. Their evolutionary lineage is so interesting to study to make sense of them. They’re definitely more than just cute and cuddly birds that are popular in the movies.
Sources:
https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/news/10-cool-facts-about-penguins
