Adelie Penguin vs African Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and African Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
African Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | African Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Spheniscus demersus |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 60-70 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 2.2-3.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 10-27 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~41,700 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | South Africa, Namibia |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernAfrican Penguin
Critically EndangeredScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
African Penguin
10-27 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
African Penguin
Spheniscus
About Each Species
Adelie Penguin
Small, highly abundant Antarctic penguins recognized by their distinctive white eye rings. Adélies are one of only two penguin species on the Antarctic mainland and serve as key indicator species for ecosystem health.
Learn more about Adelie PenguinAfrican Penguin
The only penguin species that breeds in Africa, now Critically Endangered after losing about 97% of their historical population. Each bird has a unique chest spot pattern, like human fingerprints.
Learn more about African PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or African Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or African Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the African Penguin is "Critically Endangered".
Do Adelie Penguins and African Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia.