Erect-crested Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.