Adelie Penguin vs Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Eastern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes filholi |
| Height | 46-71 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-6 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~7,580,000 pairs | ~1,600,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernEastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Adelie Penguin
Small, highly abundant Antarctic penguins recognized by their distinctive white eye rings. Adélies are one of only two penguin species on the Antarctic mainland and serve as key indicator species for ecosystem health.
Learn more about Adelie PenguinEastern Rockhopper Penguin
Recognized as a distinct species from the Western Rockhopper since 2006, Eastern Rockhoppers breed on sub-Antarctic islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and share the same bold yellow crest and red eyes as their relatives.
Learn more about Eastern Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Eastern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Eastern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Adelie Penguins and Eastern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island.