Chinstrap Penguin vs Erect-crested Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Erect-crested Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Erect-crested Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Eudyptes sclateri |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 50-70 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 2.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~150,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernErect-crested Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinErect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Erect-crested Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Erect-crested Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand).