Chinstrap Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Humboldt Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Humboldt Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Spheniscus humboldti |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 56-70 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 3.6-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~23,800 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Peru, Chile |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernHumboldt Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Humboldt 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 PenguinHumboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Humboldt Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Humboldt Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile.