Humboldt Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
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 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, Humboldt Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.