How many types of penguins are there? There are currently 18 recognized species of penguins around the world, as determined by various agencies, scientists and experts in the field.
Penguins live in many locations around the Southern Hemisphere. At very quick glance they look alike with white and black bodies, but they all have unique characteristics. Click on any of the names below to learn about the unique features of each bird.
- Adelie Penguins
- African Penguins
- Chinstrap Penguins
- Emperor Penguins
- Erect-Crested Penguins
- Fiordland Penguins
- Galapagos Penguins
- Gentoo Penguins
- Humboldt Penguins
- King Penguins
- Little Penguins
- Macaroni Penguins
- Magellanic Penguins
- Northern Rockhopper Penguins
- Royal Penguins
- Snares Penguins
- Southern Rockhopper Penguins
- Yellow-eyed Penguins
Help us continue to learn more about penguins by donating to Penguins International.
References:
Borboroglu, Pablo Garcia & Boersma, P. Dee (2013). Penguins, Natural History and Conservation. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press.
https://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species
