10 of the Largest Penguins in the World

By Rajni Pandey | July 5, 2024

Emperor Penguin

Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) are approximately 115 cm tall and weigh around 22-45 kg. Native to Antarctica, they are the heaviest of all living penguin species.

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King Penguin

King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) stand about 90 cm tall and weigh between 11-16 kg. They are primarily found on sub-Antarctic islands and are known for their bright orange neck patches.

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Gentoo Penguin

Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua) are around 75-90 cm tall and weigh 5.5-6.5 kg. These penguins inhabit sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, recognizable by the white stripe across their heads.

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Chinstrap Penguin

Chinstrap Penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) grow to be about 68-76 cm tall and weigh 3-5 kg. They are named for the distinctive black band under their heads and are found in the Southern Ocean.

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Royal Penguin

Royal Penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli) are approximately 70 cm tall and weigh 4-6 kg. They are native to the sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and are characterized by their white faces and yellow crests.

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Adélie Penguin

Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) stand about 70 cm tall and weigh between 3.6-6 kg. Common along the entire Antarctic coast, they are easily recognized by the white ring around their eyes.

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Yellow-eyed Penguin

Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) are approximately 62-79 cm tall and weigh 5-8.5 kg. Native to New Zealand, they are notable for their pale yellow eyes and yellow feather band.

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Macaroni Penguin

Macaroni Penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) grow to about 70 cm tall and weigh around 5.5 kg. They inhabit sub-Antarctic islands and are easily identified by their orange crest feathers.

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Magellanic Penguin

Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) stand about 61-76 cm tall and weigh 3.4-6.5 kg. These penguins are found in South America and have two black bands between their heads and chests.

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Rockhopper Penguin

Rockhopper Penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) are approximately 45-58 cm tall and weigh 2-3.4 kg. They live in the sub-Antarctic region and are known for their spiky yellow and black crests.

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