Macaroni Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Macaroni Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Macaroni Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Macaroni Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysolophus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 51-77 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 3.3-6.6 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~6,300,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Macaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni 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, Macaroni Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Macaroni Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Macaroni Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.