Adelie Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Adelie Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Adelie Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
3.6-6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Adelie Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis adeliae | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Adelie Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis adeliae
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Adelie Penguin
46-71 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Adelie Penguin
3.6-6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Adelie Penguin
10-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Adelie Penguin
~7,580,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Adelie Penguin
Krill, Fish, Squid
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Adelie Penguin
Antarctic coastline, Rocky shores
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Adelie Penguin
Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Adelie Penguin
Pygoscelis
Western 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 PenguinWestern Rockhopper Penguin
Among the smallest crested penguins, Western Rockhoppers navigate steep rocky terrain by hopping with both feet together. Their spiky black and yellow crest feathers and bright red eyes give them a punk-rock appearance.
Learn more about Western Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Adelie Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Adelie Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Adelie Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Adelie Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Adelie Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.