Chinstrap Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 68-77 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 3.2-5.3 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~8,000,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Chinstrap Penguin
Named for the narrow black band under their heads that resembles a helmet strap, Chinstraps are famously noisy, pugnacious, and among the most abundant penguins in the Antarctic region.
Learn more about Chinstrap 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, Chinstrap Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.