Chinstrap Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Chinstrap Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the Chinstrap Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.