Little Blue Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Little Blue Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Western 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 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, Little Blue Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Western 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 Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.