Eastern Rockhopper Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Eastern Rockhopper Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Eastern Rockhopper Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes filholi | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~1,600,000 pairs | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
~1,600,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Western Rockhopper 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 PenguinWestern Rockhopper Penguin
Among the smallest crested penguins, Western Rockhoppers navigate steep rocky terrain by hopping with both feet together. Their spiky black and yellow crest feathers and bright red eyes give them a punk-rock appearance.
Learn more about Western Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
Both species are similar in size, reaching up to 58cm tall.
Which is more endangered, Eastern Rockhopper Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Eastern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Eastern Rockhopper Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Eastern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Campbell Island, Antipodes Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.