Chinstrap Penguin vs Emperor Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Emperor Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Emperor Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Emperor Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Aptenodytes forsteri |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 100-130 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 22-45 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~595,000 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Fish, Squid, Krill |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Antarctica |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernEmperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
About Each Species
Chinstrap Penguin
Named for the narrow black band under their heads that resembles a helmet strap, Chinstraps are famously noisy, pugnacious, and among the most abundant penguins in the Antarctic region.
Learn more about Chinstrap PenguinEmperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Chinstrap Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Emperor Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Emperor Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica.