Adelie Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Humboldt Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Humboldt Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Spheniscus humboldti |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 56-70 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 3.6-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~23,800 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Peru, Chile |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernHumboldt Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Humboldt 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 PenguinHumboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Humboldt Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Adelie Penguins and Humboldt Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile.