Penguin Basics

Do penguins have feathers or fur?

Penguins have feathers, not fur. Their feathers are highly specialized — short, densely packed (about 100 feathers per square inch), and overlap in layers to create a waterproof and windproof barrier. Beneath the outer feathers is a layer of downy feathers that traps air for insulation. Penguins also apply oil from a preen gland near their tail to keep feathers water-resistant. Once a year, penguins undergo a "catastrophic molt" where they replace all their feathers at once over 2 to 3 weeks, during which they cannot enter the water.