Smarter Swimming Than We Thought
New research reveals that Magellanic penguins may swim more strategically than scientists once believed—using ocean currents to travel farther while conserving energy.
Long-Distance Travelers of the Sea
Magellanic penguins, native to South America, regularly embark on long ocean voyages spanning thousands of kilometers in search of food. Instead of tirelessly flapping through open waters, these penguins appear to harness the power of moving currents to reduce the effort required for long-distance swimming.
The Study: Tracking Penguins via GPS
Researchers tracked 14 adult penguins using GPS and compared their routes to ocean current patterns. They observed that many penguins chose paths aligned with strong currents. This behavior suggests the birds deliberately used these natural flows to ease their journey.
“These penguins seem to ride the currents like conveyor belts,” said Emily Shepard, a behavioral ecologist and co-author of the study published in Royal Society Open Science. “It’s a clever strategy, especially for a species that travels thousands of kilometers annually.”
More Than a Bird Trick: A Wider Marine Strategy
Marine mammals and sea turtles have long been known to follow ocean currents, but this study is one of the first to show similar behavior in seabirds. Although researchers have not yet confirmed exactly how penguins detect these flowing highways, their travel patterns show they possess a keen awareness of their ocean environment.
These findings not only enhance our understanding of penguin navigation but also emphasize the importance of preserving healthy ocean systems. If climate change disrupts current patterns, penguins may struggle to maintain their energy-saving travel techniques—creating new survival challenges for these resilient birds.
