Gentoo Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
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 PenguinLittle Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gentoo Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.