Magellanic Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Magellanic Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Magellanic Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Magellanic Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus magellanicus | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 61-76 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-6.5 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,800,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Magellanic Penguin
Least ConcernRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Magellanic 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 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, Magellanic Penguin or Royal Penguin?
Both species are similar in size, reaching up to 76cm tall.
Which is more endangered, Magellanic Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Magellanic Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).