Emperor Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Antarctica | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Macaroni 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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Emperor Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Macaroni Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Emperor Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.