Macaroni Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Macaroni Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Macaroni Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Macaroni Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysolophus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, 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 | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
Western 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 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, Macaroni Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Macaroni Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Macaroni Penguins and Western 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. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.