Magellanic Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Magellanic Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Magellanic Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Magellanic Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus magellanicus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| 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 | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Magellanic Penguin
Least ConcernWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
Western 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 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, Magellanic Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Magellanic Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Magellanic Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.