It might be the most common question we hear at the farm: "Wait, is that an alpaca or a llama?" It's a great question, because they really are cousins. Both are camelids from South America, both are herd animals and both are pretty darn charming. But once you know what to look for, telling them apart is easy. And at Eagle Eye Farm, you get to practice on the real thing, because along with our big alpaca herd, we have Taz, our llama.
Size: the first big clue
Llamas are much bigger than alpacas. A full-grown llama can be roughly twice the size of an alpaca, and many llamas can look you right in the eye. Alpacas are smaller and more compact, with most standing about as tall as a kitchen counter at the shoulder. When Taz is out near the alpacas, the size difference jumps out right away.
Check the ears
This is my favorite trick. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears that point straight up. Llamas have long, curved ears that many people describe as banana-shaped. Once you notice the ears, you'll never mix them up again.
Look at the face
Alpacas have short, blunt, fluffy faces, which is a big part of why people find them so huggable. Llamas have longer faces and a longer nose. Think teddy bear (alpaca) versus elegant horse-ish profile (llama).
Feel the difference in fiber
Alpacas have been bred for their fleece for a very long time, and it shows. Their fiber is soft, fine and dense, and it's sheared once a year to make yarn, socks and other cozy goods. Llama coats tend to be coarser, with more of the longer guard hair mixed in. Llamas were traditionally used as pack animals in the Andes, carrying loads across the mountains, while alpacas were raised mainly for fiber.
Personality check
Both are gentle and curious, but they show it differently.
- Alpacas: Tend to be a little shy and stick close to the herd. They like to check you out from a polite distance before deciding you're okay.
- Llamas: Tend to be more independent and confident. Llamas are even used as guard animals on some farms because they'll keep a watchful eye on the herd.
Quick cheat sheet
- Bigger, with banana ears? Llama.
- Smaller, fluffy face, short pointy ears? Alpaca.
- Super soft fleece? Probably an alpaca.
- Walks like the boss of the pasture? Could be Taz.
About that spit
Both alpacas and llamas can spit, but it's almost always aimed at each other during squabbles over food or personal space. People are rarely the target. A calm, quiet visitor is the best way to stay out of the crossfire.
Come test your skills
Reading about it is fun, but seeing alpacas and a llama side by side is the best way to learn. Come meet our herd and say hello to Taz. Check our website for current tours, and if you have questions before your visit, our FAQ page has you covered. Bring your banana-ear detector!
