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Southern Rockhopper

Southern Rockhopper Penguins

Eudyptes chrysocome
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

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.

Fun Fact:

The first-laid egg (A egg) of these birds is usually smaller and lighter than the second (B egg)

Current Conservation Status

Population trends:

Decreasing arrow

Southern Rockhopper Penguin Conservation Status:

Vulnerable

Vulnerable status bar

Range Map:

Northern Rockhopper Penguin breeding range and distribution map

Get more penguin information at the links below

Read through related blogs from our penguin experts for more information on Southern Rockhopper Penguins:
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