Northern Rockhopper Penguin vs Royal Penguin
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin and Royal Penguin are close relatives, both belonging to the genus Eudyptes. Despite this shared lineage, they have evolved distinct strategies for survival — differences that become clear when you compare their size, range, habitat, and conservation outlook side by side.
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Royal Penguin
Size Comparison
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
| Feature | Northern Rockhopper Penguin | Royal Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Near Threatened |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes moseleyi | Eudyptes schlegeli |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 65-76 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 3-8 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~240,300 pairs | ~850,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Small fish, Squid |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes |
| Regions | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island | Macquarie Island (Australia) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredRoyal Penguin
Near ThreatenedScientific Name
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Height
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Weight
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Lifespan
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Diet
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Habitat
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Regions
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Genus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
Key Differences
The most visible difference is size: the Royal Penguin stands up to 76 cm tall, while the Northern Rockhopper Penguin reaches just 58 cm — making them noticeably different in stature. In weight, the gap is equally telling: Royal Penguins can weigh up to 8 kg compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 3.4 kg.
Their habitats diverge significantly. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are adapted to rocky coastlines and cliff faces and tussock grass, while Royal Penguins occupy sandy and rocky beaches and vegetation-covered slopes. This habitat split reflects different evolutionary responses to predation pressure, breeding requirements, and food access.
Geographically, these species rarely overlap. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island, whereas Royal Penguins live in Macquarie Island (Australia). Their separate ranges mean they face different ocean conditions, predator communities, and human pressures.
Conservation outlook also separates them. The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as Endangered, facing more acute survival pressure than the Royal Penguin, which holds a status of Near Threatened. Classified as Endangered, with populations having fallen by almost 90% since the 1950s. Climate change, overfishing, and other human-driven pressures are the primary drivers of decline.
Northern Rockhopper Penguins also tend to live longer, with a lifespan of 10–30 years compared to 15–20 years for the Royal Penguin.
Key Similarities
Both species rely on krill, squid as key parts of their diet. This dietary overlap means they respond to similar changes in ocean productivity — when prey populations shift, both species feel the pressure, even if they forage in different waters.
As members of the genus Eudyptes, these species share a common ancestor and retain similar body plans, breeding strategies, and physiological adaptations. The family resemblance runs deeper than appearance — it shapes how they feed, moult, and raise chicks.
About Each Species
Northern 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 PenguinRoyal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76 cm tall and weighing up to 8 kg. The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is smaller at up to 58 cm and 3.4 kg.
Which is more endangered, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin faces greater conservation risk with a status of Endangered and an estimated population of ~240,300 pairs. The Royal Penguin is classified as Near Threatened with a population of ~850,000 pairs. Classified as Endangered, with populations having fallen by almost 90% since the 1950s.
Do Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
No, their ranges do not overlap. Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island, while Royal Penguins live in Macquarie Island (Australia). This geographic separation means they face different environmental pressures and predator communities.
What do Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Royal Penguins eat?
Both species eat krill and squid. The Northern Rockhopper Penguin's full diet includes krill, squid, fish, crustaceans, while the Royal Penguin feeds on krill, small fish, squid.
Which lives longer, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin typically lives longer at 10–30 years, compared to 15–20 years for the Royal Penguin.
Are Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Royal Penguins closely related?
Yes, both species belong to the genus Eudyptes, making them close relatives within the penguin family Spheniscidae. They share a common ancestor and similar body plans, though they have diverged in size, range, and specific adaptations.