Southern Rockhopper Penguins
Source: © Penguins International
The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is a member of the crested group of penguins.
Estimated Population:
1.2 million breeding pairs
Weight and height:
2.8 kg – 3.0 kg, 45 cm - 58 cm
Lifespan:
11.5 years
Prey/Diet:
Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Source: Shannon Derthick
Population trends:
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.
Source: Pooja's Laboratory
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
