Why do penguins form huddles?
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Why do penguins form huddles?

Penguins form huddles for protection against the weather and predators.

Adult Emperor penguins will form huddles to protect themselves against the extreme cold and wind in the Antarctic winter when they are incubating their eggs.

Chicks of many species form huddles (or creches) as mutual protection from predators such as Skuas. It is much more difficult for a Skua to attack a chick in a huddle than to attack a lone chick. These huddles are formed only when the chicks are about half grown - up till then one of the parents always stays ashore on guard to protect the small chicks. However, as the chick grows larger so it demands more food and both parents have to go to sea at the same time to gather enough to feed the rapidly growing chick.