African Penguin vs Chinstrap Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Chinstrap Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Chinstrap Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Chinstrap Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Pygoscelis antarcticus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 68-77 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 3.2-5.3 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~8,000,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredChinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
About Each Species
African Penguin
The only penguin species that breeds in Africa, now Critically Endangered after losing about 97% of their historical population. Each bird has a unique chest spot pattern, like human fingerprints.
Learn more about African PenguinChinstrap Penguin
Named for the narrow black band under their heads that resembles a helmet strap, Chinstraps are famously noisy, pugnacious, and among the most abundant penguins in the Antarctic region.
Learn more about Chinstrap PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Chinstrap Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Chinstrap Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Chinstrap Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do African Penguins and Chinstrap Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.