Fiordland Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Fiordland Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Fiordland Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
2.7-5.9 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Fiordland Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes pachyrhynchus | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 51-71 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-5.9 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~5,500-7,000 pairs | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Fiordland Penguin
VulnerableLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Fiordland Penguin
2.7-5.9 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Fiordland Penguin
10-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Fiordland Penguin
~5,500-7,000 pairs
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Fiordland Penguin
Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Fiordland Penguin
Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Fiordland Penguin
New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
About Each Species
Fiordland Penguin
Also known as Tawaki, this elusive yellow-crested penguin nests in dense temperate rainforests along New Zealand's Fiordland coast — one of the few penguins to breed in forest environments.
Learn more about Fiordland PenguinLittle Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Fiordland Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Fiordland Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Fiordland Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Fiordland Penguins are found in New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.