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Birds

How Many Species of Penguins Are There? A Guide on These Waddling Birds

Mac Montoya
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April 11, 2022
5 Mins read
penguin on top of snow wildlife photography

How many species of penguins are there? Do you have a favorite penguin species? Firstly, penguins are some of the most beloved animals on the planet and with good reason! There are 18 different species of penguins, each with its own unique features and personality. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at each of these 18 species and learn more about what makes them so special. We will also discuss the threats that these animals face and what we can do to help protect them. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Species of Penguins

Emperor Penguins

how many species of penguins are there
Photo: Ian Parker via Unsplash

The Emperor Penguin is the largest penguin species, measuring up to 115 cm in height and weighing up to 45 kg. Additionally, these animals are found exclusively in Antarctica and are well-adapted to the icy conditions, with a thick layer of blubber that helps keep them warm. Emperor Penguins are known for their impressive diving abilities and can plunge down to depths of more than 500 meters in search of food.

Gentoo Penguins

The Gentoo Penguin is one of the most common penguin species and can be found throughout the southern hemisphere. Moreover, these animals are easily recognizable by their bright red eyes and orange beak. Gentoo Penguins are well-adapted to cold weather and are capable of swimming long distances in search of food.

Humboldt Penguins

The Humboldt Penguin is a species that is found exclusively in South America. These animals are named after the cold Humboldt Current, which runs along the coast of Chile and Peru. Humboldt Penguins are well-adapted to the chilly waters and can remain submerged for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Adelie Penguins

how many species of penguins are there
Photo: Hubert Neufeld via Unsplash

The Adelie Penguin is a species that is found in the Antarctic region. These animals are named after Adele Island, which is located near the coast of Antarctica. Adelie Penguins are medium-sized penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. However, they are known for their playful nature and are often seen swimming, diving, and playing together in large groups.

King Penguins

The King Penguin is the second-largest penguin species, measuring up to 95 cm in height and weighing up to 25 kg. These animals are found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world and are well-adapted to the cold weather. Certainly, King Penguins are known for their distinctive black and white plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Rockhopper Penguins

The Rockhopper Penguin is a species that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. These animals are named after the rocky islands that they inhabit. Rockhopper Penguins are small penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are known for their lively personality and are often seen hopping along the rocks in search of food.

Magellanic Penguins

The Magellanic Penguin is a species that is found in South America. These animals are named after the Magellan Strait, which runs between Argentina and Chile. Magellanic Penguins are small penguins that are well-adapted to warm weather. They are known for their black and white plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Little Penguins

how many species of penguins are there
Photo: leelakajonkij via Getty IMages

The Little Penguin is the smallest penguin species, measuring up to 30 cm in height and weighing up to kg. Moreover, these animals are found throughout the world and are well-adapted to a variety of different climates. Little Penguins are known for their playful nature and are often seen swimming, diving, and playing together in large groups.

Fiordland Penguins

The Fiordland Penguin is a species that is found in New Zealand. Above all, these animals are named after the Fiordland National Park, which is located in the southwestern corner of the country. Fiordland Penguins are small penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are known for their black and white plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

Yellow-Eyed Penguins

The Yellow-Eyed Penguin is a species that is found in New Zealand. These animals are named after their distinctive yellow eyes. Yellow-Eyed Penguins are medium-sized penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are known for their playful nature and are often seen swimming, diving, and playing together in large groups.

Southern Rockhopper Penguins

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is a species that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. These animals are named after the rocky islands that they inhabit. Southern Rockhopper Penguins are medium-sized penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are known for their lively personality and are often seen hopping along the rocks in search of food.

Northern Rockhopper Penguins

The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is a species that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. These animals are named after the rocky islands that they inhabit. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are medium-sized penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are known for their lively personality and are often seen hopping along the rocks in search of food.

Erect-crested Penguins

The Erect-crested Penguin is a species that is found in New Zealand. These animals are named for their distinctive erect crest of feathers on their head. Erect-crested Penguins are medium-sized penguins that are well-adapted to the cold weather. They are also known for their playful natures and fun group activities!

Macaroni Penguins

how many species of penguins are there
Photo: Andre Erlich via Getty Images

The Macaroni Penguin is a species that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. However, these animals are named for their distinctive yellow crest of feathers on their head.

Chinstrap Penguins

The Chinstrap Penguin is a species of penguin that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. These animals are named for the black band of feathers that runs across their chin.

Snares Penguins

Snares Penguins are a species of penguin that is found in the sub-Antarctic region of the world. These animals are named for the snares that are used to trap them on the islands where they live.

Galapagos Penguins

how many species of penguins are there
Photo: Rod Long via Unsplash

The Galapagos Penguin is a species of penguin that is found on the Galapagos Islands. These animals are named for the islands where they live. Galapagos Penguins are small penguins that are well-adapted to the warm weather.

African Penguins

The African Penguin is a species of penguin that is found on the coast of Africa. These animals are named for the continent where they live. Like Galapagos Penguins, African Penguins are small penguins that are well-adapted to the warm weather.

Final Thoughts

Penguins are a species of bird that can be found all around the world. They live in diverse climates and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some penguin species have adapted to cold weather while others prefer warm temperatures; some are solitary creatures while others enjoy group activities with other members of their kind. In conclusion, we hope you have enjoyed learning about the 18 different penguin species that can be found in the world today!

Check out our other animal FAQs here:

  • What Ostriches Eat: The Fascinating Diet of These Unique Birds
  • What Do Flamingos Eat?
  • How Many Bird Species Are There?

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Written by

Mac Montoya

Mac is a writer who loves everything and anything creative under the sun. From anime to animals, he'll get giddy at the sight of perfect color combinations, goosebump-inducing scenes, and a long list of synonyms.
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