Penguins Keyring. All penguins are camouflaged, they have a white underside and a black upperside. A predator looking up from below (such as an killerwhale) has difficulty distinguishing between a white penguin belly and the water surface. The dark plumage on their backs camouflages them from above. Dives of the large Emperor Penguin have been recorded which reach a depth of 565 m and last up to 22 minutes. Penguins either waddle or slide on their bellies across the snow, a movement which conserves energy while moving. They also jump with both feet together if they want to move quickly or cross steep or rocky terrain.