21 Types of Penguins: Facts and Photos

Explore the different types of penguins to discover their unique characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations of these black and white flightless birds. From the frigid Antarctic region to the shores of New Zealand, we will focus on the subtleties and distinctiveness of each subspecies.

Unfortunately, most living penguin species face the threat of extinction due to various factors. So, this article serves as a reminder of their purpose in our ecosystems. Let’s dive into twenty types of penguins, but first, let’s learn about their genus.

Related Read: Penguin Facts, World Penguin Day.

Six Genera of Penguins

Quick links to the different types of penguins:

These flightless birds are a diverse and fascinating group, categorized into six genera: Aptenodytes, Pygoscelis, Eudyptula, Spheniscus, Megadyptes, and Eudyptes. All 18 species of penguins are found in the Southern Hemisphere.

Starting with the largest, Aptenodytes stand out due to their impressive size. In contrast, Eudyptula, colloquially known as 'little penguins,' is the smallest among the group. 

Next is Pygoscelis, aptly called brush-tailed penguins, for the distinct feathers on their tails. Likewise, Spheniscus carries a unique feature, thriving in equatorial locations with their bold, clearly defined feathers. 

On the other hand, Megadyptes, known for their medium size, are distinct due to their considerably long bills. 

Finally, last but certainly not least, are the Eudyptes, otherwise known as the crested penguins, famously recognized for their unique feathered head crests.

Great Penguins (Aptenodytes)

1. King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)

King Penguins are strong swimmers and walkers with bright yellow-orange streaks and black and white plumage around their necks. Their beaks are elongated and gently curved at the tip.

The King Penguin is a survivor, braving the unforgiving terrain of the subantarctic islands and even venturing towards the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Moreover, their breeding cycle spans 14-16 months, strategically timed to keep their chicks safe from the deadly Antarctic winter. 

The King Penguin also balances a single egg on its feet, carefully tucked under a warm layer of skin called the brood patch.

2. Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri)

The Emperor Penguin is large, with a distinctive black and white tuxedo appearance with yellow accents around the ears and upper chest. This coloring helps camouflage Emperor Penguins while swimming to avoid predators. 

However, the most impressive aspect of the Emperor Penguin is its breeding process, which takes place in the harsh Antarctic winter. 

The male penguin protects the single egg laid by the female², holding it safely within a fold of his abdominal skin for over two months without food amid temperatures of -40°F and winds up to 90 mph. Meanwhile, the female ventures out to find food for their offspring.

Little Penguins (Eudyptula)

3. Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

The Little Penguin is the family's smallest member, standing at a height of 13 in and weighing an average of 2.2 lbs. They have a blue-grey coat extending from their back down to their white underbelly, effectively camouflaging them against oceanic predators. 

These penguins reside along southern Australia and New Zealand coastlines and are adaptable to their environment. 

Moreover, they have a varied diet that includes small fish, squid, and sea krill and can dive up to 197 feet underwater in pursuit of a meal. 

The Little Penguins retreat to burrows on beach dunes at sunset, which serve as both homes and breeding grounds. Both partners incubate the eggs and tend to chicks, a behavioral trait known as communal parenting.

4. Australian Little Penguin (Eudyptula novaehollandiae)

The Australian Little Penguin is an indigenous species found on the southern coastlines of Australia and New Zealand. These penguins are known for their diving abilities, capable of diving up to 197 feet deep in search of their diet of small fish, squid, and krill. 

The Australian Little Penguin wears a slate-blue or dark blue coat, blending well with the deep sea it inhabits. 

At sunset, these penguins exhibit a behavior called "rafting," where they return to shore together. 

These penguins practice shared responsibilities in rearing their offspring, with both parents equally sharing duties such as incubation.

Brush-tailed Penguins (Pygoscelis)

5. Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae)

The Adélie Penguin boasts black and white plumage, a white ring surrounding its eyes, and a bright red-orange beak. Moreover, the Adelie Penguin stands around 28 in tall and weighs between 8 and 13 lbs. 

The name "Adelie" was given by French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, who named them after his wife, Adèle.

These penguins primarily reside in the Antarctic, favoring the rocky, ice-free beaches along the coastline and islands within the Antarctic Circle. They thrive in the harsh polar climate and form large breeding colonies, sometimes in the tens of thousands, along the Antarctic coastline.

Furthermore, Adélie Penguins are monogamous and often return to the same nest site year after year. 

They also display "tobogganing" behavior, sliding on their bellies across the ice and steering with their feet and flippers. 

Adélie Penguins are also excellent swimmers that can reach up to 28 mph speeds.

6. Chinstrap Penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus)

Chinstrap Penguins have unique helmet-like bands on their heads. They are commonly found in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Sandwich Islands, South Orkneys, and South Shetland coasts. 

These seabirds have spirited demeanor and the ability to protect their territories and nests with great determination. 

Despite harsh living conditions, they can maintain a height of 27-30 in and weigh between 7-11 lbs, which is a testament to their perseverance. 

Their diet primarily consists of krill, with occasional supplements of fish and squid. Moreover, the Chinstrap Penguins are well adapted to foraging in the ocean depths, diving to depths of up to 230 feet, and holding their breath for two minutes. 

Chinstrap Penguins have a lifespan of approximately 15-20 years in the wild, where they face various threats from predators such as leopard seals, orcas, and other seabirds. 

7. Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua)

The Gentoo Penguins are the third largest type of penguin, standing at around 35 in and weighing between 12 to 19 lb. 

They have long, brush-like tail feathers that sway from side to side as they walk around their sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Peninsula habitats.

Gentoo Penguins can swim up to 22 mph. They primarily feed on krill, with occasional fish and squid. They can dive as deep as 656 feet to catch their prey.

One unique aspect of Gentoo Penguins is their communication. Their language relies on tone, pitch, and frequency, which helps them identify their partners and chicks in their busy colonies. 

Both parents incubate their eggs and care for their chicks in nests made of stones. During courtship, males present stones to females as a bonding ritual.

Banded Penguins (Spheniscus)

8. Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)

The Magellanic Penguin is a monogamous species, with pairs remaining together for life, returning to the same nest year after year to raise their young. 

During the breeding season, Magellanic Penguins communicate using a distinctive braying sound, earning them the nickname "jackass penguins." 

They can also dive to depths of up to 164 feet and swim at around 12.5 mph. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, squid, and krill, which they hunt during daylight hours.

9. Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti)

The Humboldt Penguins live on the coastal cliffs in Peru and Chile. They are named after the Humboldt Current, which provides them with a plentiful supply of nutrients. 

These medium-sized birds have black heads with white borders around their eyes and throats, making them an impressive sight.

Their diet consists mainly of small schooling fish, with anchovies and sardines being their top picks, with the occasional squid. 

While hunting for nourishment, they display exceptional diving skills, often diving more than 492 feet deep and staying underwater longer than most creatures would dare to.

They also use a variety of vocalizations and physical displays, such as head and flipper waving, as well as mutual preening. Moreover, pairs often remain together over multiple breeding seasons.

10. Galapagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus)

The Galapagos Penguin is the only one living north of the equator; it stands out with its black and white plumage and a distinct C-shaped band running from eye to throat.

Given their tropical location, staying cool is essential for these penguins, which carry less body fat than their counterparts. 

Despite their small size, they are exceptional hunters and divers, feeding on mullet and sardines.

Galapagos Penguins form lifelong pairs and breed throughout the year, particularly in May and October. They nest in cool caves and crevices for protection from the sun and potential predators.

11. African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

The African Penguin has a tuxedo-like appearance and is the only one that breeds on the African continent. They inhabit a group of 24 islands off the coast of Namibia to Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The distinct feature of these creatures is their black stripe and black spots on their chests. Additionally, each spot arrangement is unique, similar to human fingerprints. 

Despite their attractive appearance, they stand approximately 24-28 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 8 lbs. 

Moreover, their white bellies blend with sunlight from below, and their black backs blend with the ocean's depths from above, making them difficult to spot.

Have you ever observed the pink glands located above the eyes of African Penguins? These glands help regulate the bird's body temperature. The body increases blood flow to these glands when the African Penguin overheats. As the blood cools, the glands change color from light pink to a deeper shade of pink.

These types of penguins have remarkable hunting abilities; their diet includes fish, squid, and small crustaceans. They showcase their impressive underwater skills by diving up to 197 feet into the sea. 

Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes)

12. Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

The Yellow-eyed Penguin is a rare species found on New Zealand's shores. It is known for its distinctive appearance, characterized by a yellow band of feathers around its eyes and head. The bird stands at a height of 26 in and weighs around 11 to 13 lbs. 

Unlike other penguin species, the Yellow-eyed Penguin has a breeding cycle that lasts over a year, starting in August and ending in March.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin prefers to live in quiet forest or scrub habitats, which sets it apart from other species that dwell on beaches or ice.

 It is also a solitary hunter, relying on expert skills to catch fish and squid during the daytime.

13. Waitaha Penguin (Megadyptes waitaha)

The extinct Waitaha resided along the fringes of the South Island, with its pale yellow head and upper chest contrasting against its darker body. It was also a miniature version of its closest relative, the Yellow-eyed Penguin.

Like most penguins, the Waitaha feasted on small fish and squid in the icy southern seas. 

However, this penguin faced the threat of sea lions that swarmed the coastal areas. As sea lion populations surged, the Waitaha struggled to survive and eventually became extinct around 1280.

Despite its disappearance, scientists have discovered subfossil bones. Surprisingly, the Yellow-eyed Penguins took over the Waitaha's former habitat.

Crested Penguins (Eudyptes)

14. Fiordland Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)

The Fiordland Penguin, known as Tawaki, is a penguin species that lives in secluded areas of New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island. It is a medium-sized penguin standing approximately 24 in tall and weighing between 6 and 7 lbs. 

Likewise, its appearance is characterized by bold, yellow eyebrow crests and sleek blue-black plumes that contrast with a clean white underbelly.

However, the Tawaki also have highly regarded diving abilities; they can reach depths up to 394 feet on their hunting expeditions. With great skill and agility, they navigate the water to find their preferred diet of small fish and squid.

During the breeding season in June, Tawaki penguins display a strong sense of duty towards their partners and nesting sites¹. They are creatures of habit, often returning to the same nesting sites season after season. 

Moreover, they communicate through calls as they reunite with their partners. They carefully choose nesting spots to provide the best protection for their offspring. The sites are often located in dense forests with a verdant canopy or in quiet corners of caves.

15. Snares Penguin (Eudyptes robustus)

The Snares Penguins have a yellow crest, boxy body, and unique home. They thrive in the Snares Islands wilderness, about 124 miles south of New Zealand's South Island. 

The absence of predators on the islands allows the penguins to adapt well to their surroundings. 

Their non-migratory habits and impressive hunting skills enable them to dive 492 feet underwater for their favorite fish and squid.

During breeding season in October, pairs of these monogamous birds come together at their recurring nesting sites. The females lay two eggs, but only the stronger egg survives. 

By mid-February, the young penguin is ready to join the community of about 30,000 breeding pairs. During this time, their vocal symphony is audible across the islands. 

16. Erect-crested Penguin (Eudyptes sclateri)

The Erect-crested Penguins are indigenous to the remote Bounty and Antipodes Islands in New Zealand. They have a distinctive crest of yellow feathers that arch upwards. 

Moreover, these creatures are 28 in tall and weigh between 6 and 13 lbs. Their pure white belly sharply contrasts their rich black back, with a bold stripe extending from the beak to the back of the head, further accentuating their striking appearance.

The Erect-crested Penguin leads an active life in the ocean. They frequently embark on hunting expeditions, diving to 328 feet to catch small fish, squid, and krill. These birds are skilled swimmers, using their flippers to navigate through the water while using their feet and tail to guide their direction.

During October, the islands become a hub of courtship activities. Erect-crested Penguins are monogamous and nurture their bond while incubating their eggs and raising their chicks. 

17. Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin lives in the Antarctic region. They have a distinctive yellow and black feather crest. Moreover, they stand approximately 20 inches, weigh 5 to 6 pounds, and have striking red eyes and unique plumage.

These birds are adapted to living on rocky islands in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, such as the Falklands. They move around their rocky habitats by hopping with both feet together.

Southern Rockhopper Penguins are monogamous and return to the same partner and nesting site annually. They construct homes for their families using materials such as pebbles, grass, and other small items.

Underwater, they are skilled swimmers, capable of diving to depths of up to 330 feet in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of krill, but they occasionally consume small fish and squid.

18. Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi)

The Northern Rockhopper Penguins are notable for their audacious spirit and striking appearance. You can easily spot this type of penguin by its spiky crest of black and yellow feathers and bright red eyes. 

Despite standing only 20 inches tall and weighing between 2.2 and 3.5 kilograms, they have a commanding presence.

The Rockhopper Penguins prefer to live on the rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops on southern Indian and Atlantic Ocean islands. They are particularly abundant on the Tristan da Cunha and Gough Islands. 

Despite living on challenging terrain, these penguins thrive thanks to their adaptability and commitment to their chosen habitat. They use their clawed feet and beaks to navigate the rocky landscapes with a hopping motion, which is how they got their name.

Northern Rockhopper Penguins can dive up to 328 feet deep into the ocean to find their food, primarily small fish, squid, and krill. 

19. Royal Penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli)

The Royal Penguin has light-colored faces, ranging from pale yellow to white. This penguin species is native to the Subantarctic region, with a significant population residing on Macquarie Island, between New Zealand and Antarctica.

What sets the Royal Penguin apart from its closely related cousin, the Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus), is its striking yellow crest. This crest springs from the bird's forehead and extends to the back of its head.

The Royal Penguin can grow up to 28 in long and weigh between 4.5 and 6.5 kilograms. Moreover, these penguins can dive more than 492 feet to catch small fish, krill, and squid.

Royal Penguins gather in large colonies of hundreds of thousands during the breeding season. The males construct nests using stones, grass, and feathers, while females lay eggs and prepare for parenting. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

20. Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chryosopholus)

Macaroni Penguins are a species of penguin found in the sub-Antarctic regions, including the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Kerguelen Islands. 

Their primary food source is a seafood buffet consisting of small fish, squid, and krill. These penguins can dive up to 328 feet to catch their prey and swim at 14.9 mph.

However, the Macaroni Penguin population has experienced a sharp decline in recent generations, leading to their classification as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

21. Chatham Penguin (Eudyptes warhami)

The Chatham Penguin lived in the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. This type of penguin is also known for its yellow crest. Its black back and white belly provided camouflage against predators in the air and water .

Despite being only 24 inches tall, it was a capable swimmer and hunter, well-suited for the harsh weather conditions of the Southern Ocean. 

These penguins spent most of their lives navigating the vast waters surrounding the Chatham Islands, gathering in large colonies along rocky shores during the breeding season, emitting their distinct calls.

The dietary habits of the Chatham Penguin dove deep into the ocean to hunt for small fish, squid, and krill. Unfortunately, it has not been seen since 1870, marking its extinction. 

Conclusion: Types of Penguins

Overall, the diversity among penguins is truly astounding, only highlighting the importance of treating each bird species with equal regard and protection. Their continued existence is interwoven with preserving their habitats, hinting at nature's intricate balance. 

Therefore, as we cherish these remarkable birds, let's sustain our efforts to safeguard their homes, ensuring their survival and contribution to our earth's biodiversity.