Do penguins drink saltwater?
Yes, penguins can and do drink saltwater. They have a specialized supraorbital gland located above their eyes that filters excess salt from their bloodstream. The concentrated salt solution is excreted through their nostrils as a brine drip, which is why penguins often appear to have a runny nose. This adaptation allows them to stay hydrated without needing freshwater, which is essential for species that spend weeks or months at sea. They also obtain water from the food they eat and, in some cases, by eating snow.
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our diet answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- NOAA Fisheries - Marine food webs, climate, and ocean ecosystem context.
- British Antarctic Survey - Antarctic penguin ecology, diving, and sea-ice context.
- Penguins International - Species explainers and conservation context focused on penguins.