Northern Rockhopper Penguin vs Royal Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin and Royal Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
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
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 76cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Royal Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Royal Penguin is "Near Threatened".
Do Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Royal Penguins live in the same area?
Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island. Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia).