Galapagos Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Magellanic 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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.