Though ungainly on land, the flightless penguin has physical characteristics perfect for swimming through water - some species are known to be at sea for up to 75 per cent of their lives. Spending so much time in the water puts penguins at risk from predators, so swimming skills are essential. While their long, streamlined bodies and short legs give them a clumsy gait when waddling on land, penguins’ wings have a unique characteristic that gives them surprising agility in water.
Flippers are key to a penguin’s swimming abilities
Penguins are streamlined for diving into the icy sea