Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Erect-crested Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Erect-crested Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Erect-crested Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Erect-crested Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Eudyptes sclateri |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 50-70 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 2.5-6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~150,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableErect-crested Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
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 PenguinErect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Erect-crested Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Erect-crested Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Erect-crested Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand).