Magellanic Penguin vs Northern Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Magellanic Penguin and Northern Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Magellanic Penguin
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Magellanic Penguin | Northern Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus magellanicus | Eudyptes moseleyi |
| Height | 61-76 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-6.5 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~1,800,000 pairs | ~240,300 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Magellanic Penguin
Least ConcernNorthern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Height
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Diet
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Genus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Magellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic 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, Magellanic Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Magellanic Penguin or Northern Rockhopper Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Magellanic Penguins and Northern Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island.