Penguin Penguins are birds that can not fly, but they swim very well and spend most of their lives in the sea.
Black and White Penguins are counter shaded; they have a lighter color on the belly and a darker color on their back; this coloration helps camouflage them when they are in the water, hiding them from predators. Their white bellies blend with the snow and sunlight making it difficult for an underwater predator to see them.
Bristles on their tongue They have backward facing bristles on their tongues that helps slippery seafood from getting away. Without these, penguins would have a hard time getting enough food to survive.
Down feathers keep them warm. 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.