Types of Rockhopper Penguins

Rockhoppers are penguins in the genus eudyptes that are related to the macaroni and erect-crested penguins. They are one of the smallest penguin species and have three subspecies: the southern, northern and eastern varieties. The different types vary slightly in appearance but mainly differ in the areas in which they breed.

  1. Description

    • All three subspecies of rockhopper are the same size: about 20 inches in length, weighing 6 to 7 pounds. The southern and eastern subspecies differ slightly from the northern by having thinner plumage around the head. This plumage is a thin crown of yellow feathers that starts behind the eyes and extends into tufts at the back of the head. The eastern subspecies also differs by having a thin pink strip on its lower jaw, which is black in the southern and northern varieties.

    Habitat and Range

    • All three subspecies seek out grassy areas just off of rocky beaches to make their nests. The main difference between the subspecies is the area in which they make their homes. The northern rockhopper nests on the Antarctic islands of Gough, St. Paul and Amsterdam southeast of Madagascar. The southern variety breeds on the Falkland islands and off the coasts of Argentina and Chile. The eastern subspecies breeds on several islands around New Zealand and south of Australia. With nesting sites near the tip of South America, rockhoppers are one of the most northerly ranging penguins.

    Diet and Predators

    • Rockhopper penguins feed at sea, catching their food as they swim. Fish, squid, krill and crustaceans make up the penguins' diet. Although small, these penguins are considered one of the most aggressive penguin species. They show little fear of humans or larger animals and will readily defend themselves and their nests. The main predators of rockhoppers include blue sharks, fur seals and leopard seals. While nesting, other predatory birds pose a risk to chicks and eggs.

    Life Cycle

    • Rockhoppers are highly social and live in large communal areas. They tend to partner with the same mate each year. Breeding season varies, depending on the region, but usually takes place in spring. The female lays one to two eggs of which one is smaller than the other. The male then takes the job of incubating while the female goes off to feed and bring back food for the male. Usually, only one of the two eggs hatches, and if both do only one baby tends to survive. Rockhopper penguins can live up to 10 years in the wild.