Gentoo Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 51-90 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 4.5-8.5 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~774,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Gentoo Penguin
The third-largest penguin and the fastest underwater swimmer of all penguins at 36 km/h, Gentoos are easily identified by their bright orange-red bill and white "bonnet" across the top of the head.
Learn more about Gentoo 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, Gentoo Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.