African Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Magellanic 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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do African Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.