Erect-crested Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Erect-crested Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Erect-crested Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
2.5-6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Erect-crested Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes sclateri | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand) | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Erect-crested Penguin
EndangeredWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes sclateri
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Erect-crested Penguin
50-70 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Erect-crested Penguin
2.5-6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Erect-crested Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Erect-crested Penguin
~150,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Erect-crested Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Erect-crested Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Erect-crested Penguin
Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand)
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Erect-crested Penguin
Eudyptes
Western 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 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, Erect-crested Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Erect-crested Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Erect-crested Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Erect-crested Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Erect-crested Penguins are found in Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands (New Zealand). Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.