Erect-crested Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).