Galapagos Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
About Each Species
Galapagos Penguin
The only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild and the smallest South American penguin, Galápagos Penguins survive in a tropical setting thanks to cool upwelling from the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents.
Learn more about Galapagos PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.