Adelie Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
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 PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Adelie Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Adelie Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.