Humboldt Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
About Each Species
Humboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt 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, Humboldt Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.