African Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Western 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 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, African Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.