Fiordland Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Fiordland Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Fiordland Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
2.7-5.9 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Fiordland Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes pachyrhynchus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 51-71 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-5.9 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~5,500-7,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Fiordland Penguin
VulnerableRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Fiordland Penguin
2.7-5.9 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Fiordland Penguin
10-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Fiordland Penguin
~5,500-7,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Fiordland Penguin
Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Fiordland Penguin
Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Fiordland Penguin
New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
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 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, Fiordland Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Fiordland Penguin's 71cm.
Which is more endangered, Fiordland Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Fiordland Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Fiordland Penguins are found in New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).