Erect-crested Penguin vs King Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and King Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
King Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | King Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Aptenodytes patagonicus |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 85-95 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 11-16 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~2,230,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredKing Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
King Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
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 PenguinKing Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or King Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or King Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the King Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and King Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island.