African Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do African Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).