Chinstrap Penguin vs Galapagos Penguin

Pygoscelis antarcticus compared with Spheniscus mendiculus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Chinstrap Penguin Galapagos Penguin
Scientific Name Pygoscelis antarcticus Spheniscus mendiculus
Order Sphenisciformes Sphenisciformes
Family Spheniscidae Spheniscidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Endangered
Length
Wingspan 20.1 cm (7.9 in) 16.6 cm (6.5 in)
Weight 4105.833333333333 g (144.83 oz) 2040.0 g (71.96 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2 2
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Chinstrap Penguin only

None

Galapagos Penguin only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Chinstrap Penguin

Endangered

Galapagos 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.

Galapagos Penguin

Galápagos Penguin, 49–53 cm, is the only penguin that breeds north of the equator. Restricted to the Galápagos Islands and dependent on Humboldt Current upwelling. Banded black-and-white with a horseshoe breast band. Piscivore; dives for sardines and mullet. Endangered; highly vulnerable to El Niño events.

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