Humboldt Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Humboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt 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, Humboldt Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.