Emperor Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 100-130 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 22-45 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~595,000 individuals | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Antarctica | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Emperor Penguin
The largest penguin species, Emperor Penguins are the only animal to breed during the Antarctic winter, trekking up to 120 km over sea ice to reach their colonies and enduring temperatures below −40 °C.
Learn more about Emperor PenguinNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
Only recognized as a separate species from the Southern Rockhopper in 2006, Northern Rockhoppers have longer, more luxuriant crest feathers and have suffered a devastating ~90% population decline over the past century.
Learn more about Northern Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Emperor Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Emperor Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.