Galapagos Penguin from Above

When seen from below a white belly better blends in with light-filled surface waters while from above a black back looks similar to the dark hues of the deep ocean.
(Flickr User Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith)

Penguins use countershading, their black and white coloration, to help camouflage themselves from potential predators. When seen from below a white belly better blends in with light-filled surface waters while from above a black back looks similar to the dark hues of the deep ocean.