African Penguin vs Erect-crested Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Erect-crested Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Erect-crested Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes sclateri |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 50-70 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 2.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~150,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredErect-crested Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinErect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
Both species are similar in size, reaching up to 70cm tall.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Erect-crested Penguin is "Endangered".
Do African Penguins and Erect-crested Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand).