Magellanic Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Magellanic Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Magellanic Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Magellanic Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus magellanicus | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 61-76 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-6.5 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~1,800,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Magellanic Penguin
Least ConcernYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Magellanic Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the Magellanic Penguin's 76cm.
Which is more endangered, Magellanic Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Magellanic Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.