Splash Zone: Rocky Shore Animals

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African blackfooted penguin

ROCKY SHORE HOME

Not all penguins live in snow and ice—blackfooted penguins live in cold currents along the rocky shores of the South African coast. These ocean birds fly through the sea, catching squid and small fish.

Fun fact: When penguins flap their wings or bow their heads, they're telling each other how they feel. Throwing their heads back and wings out means "I'm happy." Leaning forward and opening their beaks means "Go away."

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Far-out feet

A penguin's legs are set far back on its body, so in the water its feet become rudders that help the penguin steer as it swims. African blackfooted penguins can swim at about 15 miles an hour (24 km/hr). On land, though, it's slow going. Normal penguin waddling speed is only about two miles an hour (3.2 km/hr).

Birds that swim

Penguins

can't fly. Built to swim and dive, they have strong wings, streamlined bodies and waterproof feathers. They use their wings like powerful flippers. These small, stiff wings help them turn gracefully under water, swim fast and dive down deep.

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Inspiring conservation of the oceans