Adelie Penguin vs Erect-crested Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Erect-crested Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Erect-crested Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes sclateri |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 50-70 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 2.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~150,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernErect-crested Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinErect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Erect-crested Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Adelie Penguins and Erect-crested Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand).