Royal Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Royal Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Royal Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Royal Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes schlegeli | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| Height | 65-76 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 3-8 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~850,000 pairs | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Small fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Macquarie Island (Australia) | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Royal Penguin
Near ThreatenedWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Royal 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 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, Royal Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Royal Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Royal Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia). Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.