Chinstrap Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Royal Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).