African Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
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 PenguinLittle Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do African Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.