Chinstrap Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Magellanic 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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.