Emperor Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | Antarctica | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Emperor Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Emperor Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.