King Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
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 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, King Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Macaroni Penguin's 77cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do King Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.