Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Gentoo Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Gentoo Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Gentoo Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Gentoo Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Pygoscelis papua |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 51-90 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~774,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Pygoscelis |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableGentoo Penguin
Least ConcernScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
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 PenguinGentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Gentoo Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Gentoo Penguin is "Least Concern".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Gentoo Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.