Chinstrap Penguin vs Galapagos Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Galapagos Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Galapagos Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Galapagos Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Spheniscus mendiculus |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 49-53 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 1.7-2.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~1,200 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernGalapagos Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinGalapagos Penguin
The only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild and the smallest South American penguin, Galápagos Penguins survive in a tropical setting thanks to cool upwelling from the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents.
Learn more about Galapagos PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Galapagos Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Galapagos Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Galapagos Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).