African Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| 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 | ~240,300 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 | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Northern 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 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, African Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do African Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.