Humboldt Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
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 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, Humboldt Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.