Emperor Penguin vs Erect-crested Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Erect-crested Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Erect-crested Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptes sclateri |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 50-70 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 2.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~150,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Antarctica | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedErect-crested Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Emperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinErect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Emperor Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Erect-crested Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Emperor Penguins and Erect-crested Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand).