Chinstrap Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Chinstrap Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Chinstrap Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
3.2-5.3 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Chinstrap Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis antarcticus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Shrimp, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Octopus, 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 | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Chinstrap Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Chinstrap Penguin
68-77 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Chinstrap Penguin
3.2-5.3 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Chinstrap Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Chinstrap Penguin
~8,000,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Chinstrap Penguin
Krill, Shrimp, Small fish
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Chinstrap Penguin
Antarctic Peninsula, Sub-Antarctic islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Chinstrap Penguin
South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis
Western 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 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, Chinstrap Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Chinstrap Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Chinstrap Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Chinstrap Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Chinstrap Penguins are found in South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.