African Penguin vs Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Eastern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes filholi |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~1,600,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredEastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
African Penguin
The only penguin species that breeds in Africa, now Critically Endangered after losing about 97% of their historical population. Each bird has a unique chest spot pattern, like human fingerprints.
Learn more about African 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, African Penguin or Eastern Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Eastern Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Eastern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island.