Galapagos Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Galapagos Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).