Penguins Can See Ultraviolet Light
Penguins can see ultraviolet light, which helps them identify each other and find food in the seemingly monochrome Antarctic landscape.
About this fact
While the Antarctic landscape appears black and white to human eyes, penguins experience a much more colorful world. Penguins have four types of color receptors in their eyes (compared to humans' three), including one that detects ultraviolet light. This UV vision allows them to see patterns and markings on each other that are invisible to humans and most predators. Penguin feathers reflect UV light in species-specific patterns, helping them identify their own kind and potential mates. UV vision also helps them spot krill and other prey in the water, as these organisms often reflect or absorb UV light differently than the surrounding water.