Galapagos Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 49-53 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 1.7-2.6 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~1,200 individuals | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Galapagos Penguin
The only penguin species found north of the equator in the wild and the smallest South American penguin, Galápagos Penguins survive in a tropical setting thanks to cool upwelling from the Humboldt and Cromwell Currents.
Learn more about Galapagos 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, Galapagos Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is larger, standing up to 58cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.