Adelie Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Macaroni 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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Adelie Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Adelie Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.