African Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Macaroni 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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.