The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is a member of the crested group of penguins.
Common Name: Southern Rockhopper Penguin
Scientific name: Eudyptes chrysocome
Population: 1.2 million breeding pairs
Weight: 2.8 kg – 3.0 kg, 45 cm –58 cm
Lifespan: 11.5 years
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Population Trend: Decreasing
Geographic Breeding Range: Argentina; Australian sub-Antarctic islands; Chile; Crozet Islands; Falkland Islands; Heard Island and McDonald Islands; Kerguelen Islands; New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands; Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands
Southern Rockhopper Penguin
Southern Rockhopper Penguin with its chick
Prey/diet: Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods
Distinguishing physical characteristics: Thin yellow superciliary stripes run backward above each eye and extend from the sides of the head as spiked yellow plumes. The bill is orange-red, feet and legs are pink, the eye is red. Differentiated from Northern Rockhopper Penguins by shorter plumes extending from the sides of the head on the Southern Rockhopper.
Interesting tidbit about Southern Rockhopper Penguins: The first-laid egg (A egg) of these birds is usually smaller and lighter than the second (B egg).
Southern Rockhopper Penguin
population trends:
Southern Rockhopper Penguin Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Southern Rockhopper Penguin Range Map
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