Diet & Feeding

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.