Distinguishing Factors of Rockhopper Penguins

Rockhopper penguins are an interesting species of penguin making their home in the Antarctic region. They are so named for the way they hop and bounce across rocks and boulders to travel to their nests. One look at a Rockhopper penguin reveals how exceptional they are physically, but there are more differences that distinguish them from other species of penguin.

  1. Habitat

    • Rockhopper penguins make their homes both in the water and on land in the Antarctic region. When nesting on land, they prefer southern, sub-arctic regions such as Macquarie Island, Campbell Island and the Falkland Islands. For breeding purposes, they prefer areas with rocky crags and crevices. Rockhopper penguins will build their nests in close communities, but they will continue to live separate of one another unlike their arctic cousins, the Emperor penguins, who huddle tightly together for warmth.

    Breeding

    • Rockhopper penguins breed in the summer months of the Antarctic -- unlike others who breed in the winter months -- and compete fiercely for mates, territory, and nest building materials. They scrape out an area in a rocky crevice and line it with dry grasses. Most penguins will lay only one egg, but female Rockhopper penguins will often lay two eggs, one small and one big. The smaller one will most likely be eaten by predators, but this gives the larger egg a better opportunity to hatch and grow. Males and females will take turns guarding and caring for their baby chick. The male can also regurgitate a milk-like substance for his chick when the mother is away hunting.

    Physical Characteristics

    • Rockhopper penguins are one of the most intimidating physically of all species of penguins. They belong to a family of crested penguins and sport bright yellow feather sprays on the tops of their heads. Their bills are orange-red, and their eyes are dark red. Rockhopper penguins are also very small, reaching heights of only 18 to 23 inches and weighing merely 5 to 8 pounds. However different they may seem from other penguins, they still sport the characteristic tuxedo coloring on the majority of their bodies.

    Behavior

    • In size Rockhopper penguins are similar to the docile and outrageously cute penguins often seen in zoo exhibits. The truth is that Rockhoppers are an extremely aggressive and vocal species of penguins. They do not take kindly to intruders upon their territory and will attack anyone or anything that comes too close. Even feisty with one another, Rockhopper penguins will fight fiercely over materials and areas ideal for nesting. Despite their small stature, they are known especially for their loud cries either to announce themselves or find a mate. Rockhoppers communicate in a variety of non-vocal ways, as well, including preening, head shaking, flipper waving, bowing and an assortment of gestures.