African Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Humboldt Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Humboldt Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Spheniscus humboldti |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 56-70 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 3.6-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~23,800 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Peru, Chile |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredHumboldt Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinHumboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
Both species are similar in size, reaching up to 70cm tall.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Humboldt Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Humboldt Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile.