Galapagos Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Humboldt Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Humboldt Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Spheniscus humboldti |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 56-70 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 3.6-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~23,800 individuals |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Peru, Chile |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredHumboldt Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
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 PenguinHumboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Humboldt Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Humboldt Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile.