African Penguin vs King Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and King Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
King Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | King Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Aptenodytes patagonicus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 85-95 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 11-16 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~2,230,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredKing Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
King Penguin
25-30 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
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 PenguinKing Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or King Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or King Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the King Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do African Penguins and King Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island.