Gentoo Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Magellanic 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 PenguinMagellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gentoo Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.