Gentoo Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gentoo Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Royal Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).