African Penguin vs Fiordland Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Fiordland Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Fiordland Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
2.7-5.9 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Fiordland Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes pachyrhynchus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 51-71 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 2.7-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 10-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~5,500-7,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredFiordland Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Fiordland Penguin
2.7-5.9 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Fiordland Penguin
10-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Fiordland Penguin
~5,500-7,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Fiordland Penguin
Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Fiordland Penguin
Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Fiordland Penguin
New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Fiordland 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 PenguinFiordland Penguin
Also known as Tawaki, this elusive yellow-crested penguin nests in dense temperate rainforests along New Zealand's Fiordland coast — one of the few penguins to breed in forest environments.
Learn more about Fiordland PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Fiordland Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Fiordland Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Fiordland Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Fiordland Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Fiordland Penguins are found in New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island.