Macaroni Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Macaroni Penguin and Magellanic Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Macaroni Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
Size Comparison
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
| Feature | Macaroni Penguin | Magellanic Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysolophus | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Height | 51-77 cm | 61-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.3-6.6 kg | 2.7-6.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 25-30 years |
| Population | ~6,300,000 pairs | ~1,800,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Spheniscus |
Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableMagellanic Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Height
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Weight
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Lifespan
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Population
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Diet
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Habitat
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Regions
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Genus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
About Each Species
Macaroni 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 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, Macaroni Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Macaroni Penguin or Magellanic Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Magellanic Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Macaroni Penguins and Magellanic Penguins live in the same area?
Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands. Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil.