King Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
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 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, King Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do King Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.