Humboldt Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Humboldt Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Humboldt Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Western 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 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, Humboldt Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Humboldt Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Humboldt Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.