Little Blue Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Little Blue Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 30-33 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 1-1.5 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 6-25 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~469,760 individuals | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Royal 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 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, Little Blue Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).