Distinguishing features

Royal penguins could only be confused with Macaroni penguins. Macaronis and Royals are the largest of the crested penguins and both have orange yellow and black crests that join on the top of the head. Royal penguins are significantly larger than Macaroni penguins and, according to Eric Woehler, it would be impossible to mistake a Royal with a dark face for a Macaroni if they were seen side by side. The Royals usually have white chins (although some have light or dark grey chins) while Macaronis have black chins. Some authorities (especially Lloyd Davis) suggest Royals should be classified as a sub-species of Macaroni penguins.

Photos of Royal penguins

Sub-species

There are no generally recognised sub-species of the Royal penguin.

Height & Weight

Royal penguins are about 70 cm tall. Weights vary through the year between 4 and 5.5 kg. Females are usually smaller than males.

Breeding locations

Nesting behaviour

Nests are shallow depressions in sand or grass lined with stones or grass. Two eggs are usually laid but only one chick reared. Incubation takes 35 days and is shared by both parents in long shifts (up to 12 days). The male broods and guards the chicks for 10 to 20 days while the female brings food daily. Chicks then form small creches and are fed every 2 or 3 days until they are ready to leave to go to sea at about 65 days old.

Principal diet

Royals have a varied diet - about 50% krill and about 48% fish with 2% squid.

Alternative names

As far as we know there are no alternative names for Royal penguins. If you know of any please send us an email.