Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Royal 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).