Gentoo Penguin vs King Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and King Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
King Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | King Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Aptenodytes patagonicus |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 85-95 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 11-16 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~2,230,000 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernKing Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
King Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
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 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, Gentoo Penguin or King Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Gentoo Penguin's 90cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or King Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the King Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Gentoo Penguins and King Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island.