The Royal Penguin breeds on Macquarie Island and nearby islets. Its pale face and yellow crest that meets over the forehead are distinctive.
Its face is pale and the yellow plumes meet above the forehead. The sexes look similar, but males are larger; young birds have a less full crest than adults.
During breeding at Macquarie Island, it feeds mainly on krill and small fish. The proportions of prey vary by season and location.
Males guard the chicks for about 3–4 weeks until they are large enough to join groups of chicks called crèches. Both parents then bring food to the chick.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.