Erect-crested Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
The Erect-crested Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin represent two distinct branches of the penguin family tree. While they share the fundamental penguin body plan — flightless, counter-shaded, built for swimming — their approaches to food, breeding, and habitat tell very different survival stories. Here is how they compare across the dimensions that matter.
Erect-crested Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
Key Differences
The most visible difference is size: the Yellow-eyed Penguin stands up to 79 cm tall, while the Erect-crested Penguin reaches just 70 cm — making them modestly different in height. In weight, the gap is equally telling: Yellow-eyed Penguins can weigh up to 8.5 kg compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 6 kg.
Their habitats diverge significantly. Erect-crested Penguins are adapted to rocky coastlines and sub-antarctic islands, while Yellow-eyed Penguins occupy coastal forests and scrubland and sandy beaches. This habitat split reflects different evolutionary responses to predation pressure, breeding requirements, and food access.
Geographically, these species rarely overlap. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand), whereas Yellow-eyed Penguins live in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands. Their separate ranges mean they face different ocean conditions, predator communities, and human pressures.
Yellow-eyed Penguins also tend to live longer, with a lifespan of 8–25 years compared to 15–20 years for the Erect-crested Penguin.
Key Similarities
Both species rely on squid as key parts of their diet. This dietary overlap means they respond to similar changes in ocean productivity — when prey populations shift, both species feel the pressure, even if they forage in different waters.
Both species share the same IUCN conservation status of Endangered. While the specific threats differ, this shared classification reflects comparable levels of population risk relative to historical baselines.
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Erect-crested Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79 cm tall and weighing up to 8.5 kg. The Erect-crested Penguin is smaller at up to 70 cm and 6 kg.
Are Erect-crested Penguins or Yellow-eyed Penguins more endangered?
Both species share the same IUCN status of Endangered. The Erect-crested Penguin has an estimated population of ~150,000 pairs, while the Yellow-eyed Penguin has ~3,400 individuals.
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
No, their ranges do not overlap. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand), while Yellow-eyed Penguins live in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands. This geographic separation means they face different environmental pressures and predator communities.
What do Erect-crested Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins eat?
Both species eat squid. The Erect-crested Penguin's full diet includes krill, squid, small fish, while the Yellow-eyed Penguin feeds on fish, squid, crustaceans.
Which lives longer, Erect-crested Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin typically lives longer at 8–25 years, compared to 15–20 years for the Erect-crested Penguin.
Are Erect-crested Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins related?
Both are penguins in the family Spheniscidae, but they belong to different genera: Erect-crested Penguins are in the genus Eudyptes, while Yellow-eyed Penguins are in Megadyptes. They share a common ancestor but have diverged significantly in body plan and ecological niche.