Western Rockhopper Penguin vs Yellow-eyed Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Western Rockhopper Penguin and Yellow-eyed Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Size Comparison
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
4.5-8.5 kg
| Feature | Western Rockhopper Penguin | Yellow-eyed Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysocome | Megadyptes antipodes |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 62-79 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 4.5-8.5 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 8-25 years |
| Population | ~1,500,000 pairs | ~3,400 individuals |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches |
| Regions | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands | New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Megadyptes |
Conservation Status
Western Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableYellow-eyed Penguin
EndangeredScientific Name
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes antipodes
Height
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Yellow-eyed Penguin
62-79 cm
Weight
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Yellow-eyed Penguin
4.5-8.5 kg
Lifespan
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Yellow-eyed Penguin
8-25 years
Population
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Yellow-eyed Penguin
~3,400 individuals
Diet
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Habitat
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Coastal forests, Scrubland, Sandy beaches
Regions
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Yellow-eyed Penguin
New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands
Genus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Megadyptes
About Each Species
Western 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 PenguinYellow-eyed Penguin
Known as Hoiho ('noise shouter') in Māori, this large, pale-faced penguin endemic to New Zealand is one of the world's rarest, unique among penguins for being largely solitary and nesting out of sight of others.
Learn more about Yellow-eyed PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Western Rockhopper Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is larger, standing up to 79cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Western Rockhopper Penguin or Yellow-eyed Penguin?
The Western Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Yellow-eyed Penguin is "Endangered".
Do Western Rockhopper Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins live in the same area?
Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands. Yellow-eyed Penguins are found in New Zealand, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands.