King Penguin vs Little Blue Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Little Blue Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Little Blue Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Little Blue Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptula minor |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 30-33 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 1-1.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 6-25 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~469,760 individuals |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | New Zealand, Southern Australia |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptula |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernLittle Blue Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
About Each Species
King Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King 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, King Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Little Blue Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Little Blue Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do King Penguins and Little Blue Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia.