King Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, 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 | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Western 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 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, King Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do King Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.