Macaroni Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Macaroni Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Macaroni Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Macaroni Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysolophus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 51-77 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 3.3-6.6 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~6,300,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
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 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, Macaroni Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Royal Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Macaroni Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Macaroni Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).