- The Royal Penguin was once considered to be a subspecies of the Macaroni Penguin, but the full species status of the Royal Penguin has been confirmed by morphometric and genetic data that show significant differences from the Macaroni Penguin.
- Breeding is confined to Macquarie Island and nearby Bishop and Clerk Islands, Australia. Royal penguins breed in huge high-density colonies on exposed ground among rocky slopes.
- The diet of the Royal Penguin is composed of krill, small fish, squid and small crustaceans.
- The Royal Penguin is particularly vulnerable because of its restricted breeding habitat, and is therefore susceptible to catastrophic declines from individual events or threats.
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