Humboldt Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Royal 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 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, Humboldt Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).