Fiordland Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Fiordland Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Fiordland Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
2.7-5.9 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Fiordland Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes pachyrhynchus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| Height | 51-71 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-5.9 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~5,500-7,000 pairs | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Fiordland Penguin
VulnerableWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Fiordland Penguin
51-71 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Fiordland Penguin
2.7-5.9 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Fiordland Penguin
10-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Fiordland Penguin
~5,500-7,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Fiordland Penguin
Squid, Crustaceans, Small fish
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Fiordland Penguin
Temperate rainforest, Rocky coastlines, Dense vegetation
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Fiordland Penguin
New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Fiordland Penguin
Eudyptes
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Fiordland Penguin
Also known as Tawaki, this elusive yellow-crested penguin nests in dense temperate rainforests along New Zealand's Fiordland coast — one of the few penguins to breed in forest environments.
Learn more about Fiordland 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, Fiordland Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is larger, standing up to 71cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Fiordland Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Fiordland Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Fiordland Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Fiordland Penguins are found in New Zealand (South Island), Stewart Island. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.