Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Emperor Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Emperor Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Emperor Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Emperor Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Aptenodytes forsteri |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 100-130 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 22-45 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~595,000 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Krill |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | Antarctica |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Aptenodytes |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableEmperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
About Each Species
Eastern 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 PenguinEmperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Emperor Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Emperor Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Emperor Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica.