African Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the African Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do African Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.