Adelie Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| 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 | ~240,300 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 | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Northern 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 PenguinNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
Only recognized as a separate species from the Southern Rockhopper in 2006, Northern Rockhoppers have longer, more luxuriant crest feathers and have suffered a devastating ~90% population decline over the past century.
Learn more about Northern Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Adelie Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.