Head to head
Little Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin
Little Penguin
VS Magellanic Penguin
Both penguins have distinctive claims to fame, but they differ enormously in size and travel habits.
| Little Penguin | Magellanic Penguin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eudyptula minor | Spheniscus magellanicus |
| Size | The smallest penguin species in the world | A mid-sized penguin, considerably larger |
| Distinguishing feature | Distinctive blue-grey plumage | Two black bands across the chest and throat |
| Notable behaviour | Comes ashore only after dark in the penguin parade | Migrates thousands of kilometres each year |
| Breeding range | Coasts of Australia and New Zealand | Coasts of Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
Little Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin: common questions
Which one is the smallest penguin species?
The little penguin is the smallest penguin species in the world, standing only about a foot tall, far smaller than the mid-sized Magellanic penguin.
Which one migrates the longest distance each year?
The Magellanic penguin migrates the furthest, travelling thousands of kilometres each year between breeding colonies and wintering grounds, one of the longest migrations documented in any penguin species.
Which one only comes ashore after dark?
The little penguin is the one with this habit, gathering offshore until dark before dashing across open beach in a nightly ritual known as the penguin parade.