King Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Royal 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 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, King Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Royal Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do King Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).