Gentoo Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gentoo Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Macaroni Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.