Fact #8 - The Penguin (Humboldt)

The Humboldt penguin’s distinctive black and white colouring, are for self protection in the sea and is a type of camouflaging called countershading. The black feathers on their backs help camouflage them into the ocean (from predators looking down at them). The white feathers on their bellies help camouflage them into the light-coloured surface of the water (from predators below them). Humboldt penguins also have patches of bare skin on their faces (around their beaks) which help them cool down if they get too hot. This looks like they are blushing.