Are Penguins Mammals?
First, we need to figure out what a mammal is.
Penguins are Birds!
Penguins are not mammals, they are in fact birds. Penguins do not have any of the characteristics of mammals such as hair all over the body or live birth.
Penguins....
Penguins lay eggs, have feathers all over their body, and have wings which make them birds.
Although penguins have wings they cannot fly, which means they use their feet to get around. Most penguins waddle, however there are some, such as the Rockhopper, that gets around by hopping from rock to rock.
Penguins are also excellent swimmers. Some species can hold their breath for up to 18 minutes while searching for food. Their bodies in the water work like torpedos propelling them forward. The speed in water depends on the size of the penguin, larger penguins swim faster than small penguins, sometimes reaching up to 15 MPH!
Although penguins have wings they cannot fly, which means they use their feet to get around. Most penguins waddle, however there are some, such as the Rockhopper, that gets around by hopping from rock to rock.
Penguins are also excellent swimmers. Some species can hold their breath for up to 18 minutes while searching for food. Their bodies in the water work like torpedos propelling them forward. The speed in water depends on the size of the penguin, larger penguins swim faster than small penguins, sometimes reaching up to 15 MPH!