Adelie Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the Adelie Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Adelie Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.