Chinstrap Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
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 PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Chinstrap Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.