Humboldt Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 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, Humboldt Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the Humboldt Penguin's 70cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.