Emperor Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Antarctica | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Emperor Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Royal Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Emperor Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).