Penguins Designed for Swimming at Penguin Reserve on Magdalena Island, Chile - Encircle Photos

Penguins Designed for Swimming at Penguin Reserve on Magdalena Island, Chile

The Magellanic penguin waddles when they walk like an animated cartoon so they seem awkward on land. However, they are perfectly designed for water. Unlike flying birds, a penguin’s bones are thick. This reduces buoyance and allows them to dive up to 250 below the surface. Their feathers cover a thick deposit of fat and are waterproof. This plumage is held tightly against their body by tiny muscles which further conserve heat. Finally, their strong rigid flippers give them incredible mobility while swimming. They can reach bursts of speed over eight miles per hour.

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