Erect-crested Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.