Gentoo Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gentoo Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Yellow-eyed Penguin's 79cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.