Little Blue Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Little Blue Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 30-33 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 1-1.5 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 6-25 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~469,760 individuals | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Little Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue 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, Little Blue Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is larger, standing up to 58cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.