Down Feathers
Definition
Down feathers form a dense, insulating underlayer beneath the outer contour feathers of a penguin. Penguins have roughly 100 feathers per square centimetre, the highest density of any bird, and the downy base of each feather traps a layer of air against the skin. This air layer acts as thermal insulation both on land and in frigid water. Chicks are covered almost entirely in down until they grow their waterproof juvenile plumage, which is why crèche behaviour is critical for chick survival in cold environments.
Related Terms
Moulting is the annual process in which penguins shed and replace all of their feathers over a period of two to four weeks.
Countershading is a camouflage strategy in which an animal's dorsal (back) side is dark and its ventral (belly) side is light.
A creche is a group of penguin chicks that huddle together for warmth and protection while both parents are away foraging at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does down feathers mean in penguin biology?
Down feathers form a dense, insulating underlayer beneath the outer contour feathers of a penguin. Penguins have roughly 100 feathers per square centimetre, the highest density of any bird, and the downy base of each feather traps a layer of air against the skin. This air layer acts as thermal insulation both on land and in frigid water. Chicks are covered almost entirely in down until they grow their waterproof juvenile plumage, which is why crèche behaviour is critical for chick survival in cold environments.