Image of penguin from http://birding.about.com/od/birdfeeders/fl/What-Do-Penguins-Eat.htm
Researchers sequencing the five different taste receptors in penguins were surprised to discover that the animals do not have genes that encode for receptors that are specific for savory meaty flavors (like fish!), sweet or bitter tastes. Instead, the data suggest that penguins are only able to taste the saltiness or sourness of their foods and also suggest that the birds may not be able to taste their fish dinner.
According to a quote from the lead study author Jianzhi George Zhang (University of…