Flying . . . With Flippers

Ranger Rick, Dec, 2000

Without a sound, these king penguins slide smoothly through the ice- cold Antarctic sea. Bubbles stream out of their feathers. The bubbles come from air that was caught in their feathers when they dived in.

A penguin's streamlined body is perfect for "flying" through water. Heavy bones help the bird dive quickly below the surface. Stiff flippers pull it ahead as it steers with its feet and tail. What a sleek swimmer!