The Type of Water Rockhopper Penguins Drink

There are three types of Rockhopper penguins: The Eastern, the Southern and the Northern Rockhopper. Rockhopper penguins are generally smaller than other types of penguins. They are marked by distinct physical attributes like stripes above the eyes and a short bill that is usually a dark brown or reddish color. Most Rockhopper colonies tend to nest in rocky areas near freshwater springs and will bathe in and drink freshwater.

  1. The Southern Rockhopper

    • Southern Rockhopper penguins, especially in the Falkland Islands, exist on a diet of small fish and crustaceans.

      The Southern Rockhopper penguin is native to the Falkland Islands, Chile and Argentina. Southern Rockhoopers are known to rear their chicks to fledgling state. Along with freshwater, the Southern Rockhopper, especially those in the Falkland Islands will feed on a diet of small fish and crustaceans.

    The Northern Rockhopper

    • Northern Rockhopper penguins can be found in the St. Paul and Amsterdam Islands.

      Northern Rockhoppers are known to be found in areas such as Tristan de Cunha and the St Paul and Amsterdam Islands. As with other types of Rockhoppers, the Northern stay around areas containing freshwater and will feed on small crustaceans

    The Eastern Rockhopper

    • Easten Rockhoppers inhabit islands like Prince Edward and Crozet.

      Eastern Rockhoppers are found in and around the islands of Prince Edward, Crozet and Marion. They, too, drink and bathe in freshwater. Eastern Rockhoppers are not known to rear their chicks.

    Characteristics of the Rockhopper

    • Rockhoppers were once considered a sub-species.

      Rockhoppers are considered very aggressive in nature, especially when compared to other types of penguin. They are know as "Rockhoppers" for the way they travel; short-hopping over the rocky terrains where they live. For a long time Rockhoopers where considered a sub-species of penguin, but are now considered a full species.