Little Blue Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Little Blue Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 30-33 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 1-1.5 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 6-25 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~469,760 individuals | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Little 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 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, Little Blue Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.