Chinstrap Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
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 PenguinLittle Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.