Gentoo Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Humboldt Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Humboldt Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Spheniscus humboldti |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 56-70 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 3.6-5.9 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~23,800 individuals |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Peru, Chile |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernHumboldt Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
About Each Species
Gentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo 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, Gentoo Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Humboldt Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Humboldt Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Humboldt Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile.