Little Blue Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Little Blue Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 30-33 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 1-1.5 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 6-25 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~469,760 individuals | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
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 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, Little Blue Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.