Do Penguins Have Barbules?

They report in ACS' Journal of Physical Chemistry C that the key is in the microstructure of penguins' feathers. ... They found that the feathers were composed of a network of barbs, wrinkled barbules and tiny interlocking hooks.

What kind of feather does a penguin have?

Penguin feathers are short, overlapping and densely packed. The outer part of the feather is waterproof while the inner down section traps an insulating layer of air, keeping the penguin warm in the sometimes freezing water. Unlike those of flying birds, the feathers on a penguin wing are very short.

How are feathers arranged on penguins bodies?

Penguins are unusual in that their feathers are not arranged in tracts, as in other birds, but instead are evenly packed over their surface. The feathers are short and stiff relative to other birds, comprised of an outer 'pennaceous' or vane region and a 'downy' inner 'after-feather'.