Rockhopper Penguin Facts

We all know that penguins are interesting aquatic birds that are flightless. They are mostly found in the southern hemisphere, especially, Antarctica. Even though, their taxonomical classification is still a much debated topic, as of date, there are around 17 to 20 species of extant (existing) penguins that are divided into six genera and all of them belong to the family Spheniscidae. The members of the genus Eudyptes is characterized by an ornamental tuft on the head, and hence they are called crested penguins. The classification of the different species in this genus is still unclear, but, it could be around four to seven. Rockhopper penguins too belong to this genus and are so named due to their hopping habit. They are found to hop between rocks, with their feet held together.

Interesting Facts about Rockhopper Penguins

So, rockhoppers belong to the genus Eudyptes in the family Spheniscidae. They are one among the crested penguin species, as they have an ornamental tuft on their head. In fact, they are the smallest among the crested penguins. Earlier, these penguins were classified as a single species (Eudyptes chrysocome), but, now, they are divided into three different species that are closely related. This include the western rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes (chrysocome) chrysocome), eastern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes (chrysocome) filholi) and northern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi). Even though, rockhopper penguins are now classified into three different species, they share similar characteristics.

• Being a crested penguin, rockhoppers have yellow tufts above their eyes, red-colored beaks, black and white plumage, etc. Their eyes are also blood red in color.
• The tuft on the head of rockhopper penguins have spiky yellow and black feathers. The yellow spiky feathers that look like eyebrows are found projecting on either side of the head. They have black spiky feathers on top of their head.
• The top of the head, back and the flippers are covered with bluish black plumage and the rest of the body is white. Their feet are pink in color and are webbed. Rockhopper penguins too molt and lose the feathers during some seasons.
• Being the smallest crested penguins, rockhoppers have a height of around 45 to 60 centimeters and a body weight of 2 to 3 kilograms. A rockhopper penguin has a big head, short and thick neck, a wedge-shaped tail and strong flippers. Their bodies have a streamlined shape.
• These penguins are sub-Antarctic species that are mainly found in and around the Antarctica. These penguins are found in regions, like, Macquarie Island of Australia, Campbell Island (Newzealand), Falklands, Antipodes, Tristan da Cunha, etc. Rockhopper penguin habitat includes grasses on the rocky coastlines of these regions.
• Unlike other penguin species, rockhoppers are aggressive and bad-tempered. They are found to fight for food, over territory, nesting materials, mating partners, etc. They make loud noises, especially during the breeding season. These penguins are usually found to feed on krill, squid and small fish. But, in case of scarcity of food, they may consume anything that is found in water.
• These penguins attract their mates with loud cries and other complex behavior. Apart from these noises, their communication involves lots of actions, like, shaking head, moving flippers, etc.
• Mating of rockhopper penguins takes place during the summers. The mating partners dig a hole in the ground and line it with dried grass. The female lays two eggs, one smaller than the other. Only the bigger egg hatches and the incubation time is around 35 days.
• Once hatched, the young ones are guarded by both the male as well as the female. It has been observed that the males are capable of regurgitating milk from their digestive systems, so as to feed the offspring, when the female is away. This feature is found in certain other penguin species too.

These interesting aquatic birds have a lifespan of around 10 years. Even though, they are found in large numbers, rockhopper penguin population is now facing decline. They are now declared 'vulnerable', by the IUCN. It is said that such decline is due to the rising pollution levels and predator attacks.