Northern Rockhopper Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Northern Rockhopper Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes moseleyi | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~240,300 pairs | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Western Rockhopper 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 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, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
Both species are similar in size, reaching up to 58cm tall.
Which is more endangered, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island. Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.