Adelie Penguin vs Emperor Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Emperor Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Emperor Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Emperor Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Aptenodytes forsteri |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 100-130 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 22-45 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~595,000 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Fish, Squid, Krill |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Antarctica |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernEmperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
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 PenguinEmperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Adelie Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Emperor Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Adelie Penguins and Emperor Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica.