Galapagos Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Galapagos Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Galapagos Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
1.7-2.6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Galapagos Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus mendiculus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Mullet, Sardines | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Galapagos Penguin
EndangeredWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus mendiculus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Galapagos Penguin
49-53 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Galapagos Penguin
1.7-2.6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Galapagos Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Galapagos Penguin
~1,200 individuals
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Galapagos Penguin
Small fish, Mullet, Sardines
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Galapagos Penguin
Volcanic coastlines, Rocky shores
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Galapagos Penguin
Spheniscus
Western 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 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, Galapagos Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Western Rockhopper Penguin is larger, standing up to 58cm tall compared to the Galapagos Penguin's 53cm.
Which is more endangered, Galapagos Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Galapagos Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Galapagos Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Galapagos Penguins are found in Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.