Erect-crested Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 50-70 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-6 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~150,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Erect-crested Penguin
One of the least-known penguin species, named for distinctive upward-pointing yellow crest feathers they can raise and lower at will. They breed on two remote island groups south of New Zealand.
Learn more about Erect-crested 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, Erect-crested Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.