What Keeps Penguins Warm?

• Most penguins live in the coldest part of our world.

• The average temperatures in Antarctica range from -56 degrees Fahrenheit to -49 degrees Fahrenheit!

• Penguins have two layers, fat and feathers.

• Penguins use their fat to insulate them. In the beginning of winter it is 4cm thick!

• On top of the fat, they have two layers of feathers.

So how do penguins stay warm?

• The top layer is made of hard, smooth, feathers that are water proof and help them swim.

• The bottom layer is soft and fluffy and helps trap their body heat

• During the coldest winter nights, the penguins will huddle close together for extra heat.

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/kids/animals-pets-kids/birds-kids/antarctica-emperor-penguins-huddle-vin-kids/

• Since it’s so cold in Antarctica, if a penguin were to lay her egg in a nest like other birds, it would freeze.

• To keep the egg warm, the mother penguin gives the egg to the father penguin and he holds in what is called a “brood patch”.

• A “brood patch” is a warm fold made of feathers and fat that rests above his feet.

Resources

• http://www.gdargaud.net/Antarctica/PenguinFAQ.html

• http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4567617_penguins-keep-their-eggs-warm.html