Erect-crested Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
About Each Species
Erect-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 PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.