Adelie Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Adelie Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Adelie Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).