Chinstrap Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin

Pygoscelis antarcticus compared with Spheniscus humboldti

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Chinstrap Penguin Humboldt Penguin
Scientific Name Pygoscelis antarcticus Spheniscus humboldti
Order Sphenisciformes Sphenisciformes
Family Spheniscidae Spheniscidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Vulnerable
Length
Wingspan 20.1 cm (7.9 in) 21.0 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 4105.833333333333 g (144.83 oz) 4416.666666666667 g (155.79 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2 2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Chinstrap Penguin only

None

Humboldt Penguin only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Chinstrap Penguin

Vulnerable

Humboldt Penguin

About These Birds

Chinstrap Penguin

Chinstrap Penguin, 68–76 cm, is named for the thin black line under the chin resembling a helmet strap. Breeds on Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands; among the most abundant penguins. Krill specialist; dives to 70 m. Highly vocal and aggressive at colonies. Partially migratory.

Humboldt Penguin

Humboldt Penguin, 56–70 cm, is restricted to the coasts of Peru and Chile, dependent on cold, fish-rich Humboldt Current. Single white facial stripe, large bare skin patch around bill. Piscivore; dives for anchovies and herring. Vulnerable; populations severely reduced by guano harvesting, fishing pressure, and El Niño.

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