How Much Do Penguins Weigh? 3 Common Questions Answered!

Published on:
chubby penguin chicks

Penguins are one of the most adorable creatures on the planet. They’re playful, curious, and have a personality that is hard not to love. Penguins are also known for their cute appearance and their waddle. 

There’s something uniquely fascinating about penguins. Perhaps it’s their stumpy shape. Penguins can be pretty solid looking birds, which makes sense given they live in colder climates. But still makes us wonder… how much do these chubby little guys and gals weigh?

Here’s How Much Penguins Weigh:

The weight of a penguin varies from one species to another, and that ranges from as little as 2 to as much as 90 lbs (0,9-40kg). 

chubby penguin chicks

The largest species of penguin is the emperor penguin and can grow to weigh as much as 88 pounds (40 kg), according to National Geographic.

The height and weight of a male king penguin are about half that compared to a male emperor penguin. The average height and weight for a male king are 3 feet tall and 50 pounds, but there have been several reported accounts where the measurements were twice as big.

An Adelie Penguin weighs between 14-21 lbs. while other species such as the Galapagos Penguin weigh less than 10 lbs.

How Much Does the Average Penguin Weigh?

Every penguin is different, just like us. Depending on the species, age, and climate they live in, some are bigger or smaller than others. The average penguin will weigh between 2 – 90 lbs (0.9-40kg).

Males typically weigh about a third more than females. This extra weight is handy as males usually protect their female partner’s eggs and keep them warm. Their excess weight produces more warmth and allows the young ones to grow comfortably before hatching. 

Also Frequently Asked:

How Much Do Penguins Weigh In Pounds?

Penguins will typically weigh between 2 and 90 pounds. There is such a significant variance as different species come in different sizes.

How Much Does A Baby Penguin Weigh?

Generally speaking, the weight of a baby penguin differs according to its species. But usually, baby penguins weigh around 35 grams to 315 grams.

The Emperor penguin, one of the most well-known penguins, has a birth weight of roughly 315 grams, a tiny percentage of the adult weight of 22 – 40 kg.

On the other hand, the Fairy Penguin is the tiniest penguin, at 35-47 grams. Additionally, the Magellanic Penguin is a medium-sized penguin with an approximate birth weight of 57 grams.

Conclusion

When it comes to penguins, they are one of the most curious creatures in the animal kingdom. We hope that reading this article about how much penguins weigh has sparked a new interest in these wonderful animals!

Sources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/emperor-penguin

https://kidadl.com/animal-facts/little-blue-penguin-facts/

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/penguin-fact-sheet/

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Mike Parker has loved animals since he was little! Growing up in Zimbabwe (a beautiful country in Africa with tall trees and amazing wild animals), Mike had so many pets his house looked a bit like a zoo. A scorpion, dogs, and an impala are just a few! Living in Africa allowed Mike to head out on plenty of safaris, and he's spotted and studied all kinds of wild animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes.

Discover Amazing Animal Adventures Between the Pages of Our Books!

Are you ready to learn all about your favorite animals?

Then check out all of our books to meet some of the fascinating creatures we have on this planet! From tiny to HUMONGOUS, or scaly to oh-so furry, we have a book that will have you roaring with laughter as you learn all kinds of incredible animal facts.

View Our Books