King Penguin look-alikes
Aptenodytes patagonicus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the King Penguin. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Key differences
Emperor Penguins are larger (the largest penguin species), have a more muted yellow-orange ear patch that is less extensive, and a shorter, entirely black lower mandible. They breed exclusively on Antarctic sea ice, whereas King Penguins breed on subantarctic islands.
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Key differences
Macaroni Penguins are much smaller and belong to the crested penguin genus. They have distinctive yellow-orange crests (superciliary plumes) extending from above their eyes, a reddish-brown beak, and lack the extensive orange-gold neck and chest patches of the King Penguin.
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