Galapagos Penguin vs King Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and King Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
King Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | King Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Aptenodytes patagonicus |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 85-95 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 11-16 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~2,230,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredKing Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
King Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
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 PenguinKing Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or King Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or King Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the King Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Galapagos Penguins and King Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island.