Gentoo Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Gentoo Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Gentoo Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Gentoo Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Pygoscelis papua | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Crustaceans, Fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Pygoscelis | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Gentoo Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Gentoo Penguin
51-90 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Gentoo Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Gentoo Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Gentoo Penguin
~774,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Gentoo Penguin
Crustaceans, Fish, Squid
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Gentoo Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Gentoo Penguin
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis
Western 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 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, Gentoo Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is larger, standing up to 90cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Gentoo Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Gentoo Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Gentoo Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Gentoo Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.