Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Macaroni Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Macaroni Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Macaroni Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Macaroni Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Eudyptes chrysolophus |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 51-77 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 3.3-6.6 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 8-15 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~6,300,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableMacaroni Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Macaroni 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 PenguinMacaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Macaroni Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Macaroni Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Macaroni Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands.