Galapagos Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.