Emperor Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Emperor Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Emperor Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
22-45 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Emperor Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes forsteri | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Krill | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Antarctica | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Emperor Penguin
Near ThreatenedWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Emperor Penguin
100-130 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Emperor Penguin
22-45 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Emperor Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Emperor Penguin
~595,000 individuals
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Emperor Penguin
Fish, Squid, Krill
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Emperor Penguin
Antarctic sea ice, Antarctic coastline
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Emperor Penguin
Antarctica
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes
Western 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 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, Emperor Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is larger, standing up to 130cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Emperor Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Emperor Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Emperor Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Emperor Penguins are found in Antarctica. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.