Emperor Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | Antarctica | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
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 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, Emperor Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Emperor Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.