Royal Penguins

The Royal Penguin is a member of the crested group of penguins.

Common Name: Royal Penguin

Scientific name: Eudyptes schlegeli

Population: 850,000 breeding pairs

Weight and height: 5.5 kg and 66 cm – 76 cm

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Conservation status: Near Threatened

Population Trend: Stable

Geographic Breeding Range: Australia (Macquarie Island; Bishop Island)

Prey/diet: Myctophid fishes, euphasiid crustaceans

Royal Penguins
Photo Source: Hullwarren [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Distinguishing physical characteristics: Conspicuous yellow crest feathers parted in the middle of the head, similar to Macaroni Penguins. Differentiated from Macaroni Penguin by a white or pale face on the Royal Penguin. The bill is heavy and orange or red in color, with a pink gape. Legs and feet are pink, eyes are dark red.

Interesting tidbit about Royal Penguins: The scientific name of the Royal Penguin commemorates the German zoologist Herman Schlegel.