Erect-crested Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
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 PenguinLittle Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.