Erect-crested Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
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
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 79cm tall compared to the Erect-crested Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.