King Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
King Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King 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, King Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do King Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.