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Southern Rockhopper Penguin

Eudyptes chrysocome

Vulnerable
With their distinctive spiky yellow eyebrows and bouncing movement up steep cliffs, these feisty little penguins are true daredevils of the Southern Ocean.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is a small, distinctive penguin with a black back, white belly, and bright yellow crest feathers above red eyes. Its robust red-orange beak and pink feet contrast with its sleek black and white plumage.

Males are slightly larger than females, with more pronounced crests. Juveniles lack the yellow crest, instead having a grayish-white face. The species does not exhibit seasonal plumage changes.

Size

Length

45cm to 58cm

Wingspan

66cm to 77cm

Weight

2kg to 3.4kg

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black White

Secondary Colour

Yellow

Beak Colour

Orange Red

Leg Colour

Pink

Primary Colour (Female)

Black White

Secondary Colour (Female)

Yellow

Beak Colour (Female)

Orange Red

Leg Colour (Female)

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Southern Rockhopper Penguins inhabit rocky, coastal areas of subantarctic and temperate southern oceans. They breed on islands in the southern Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, including the Falkland Islands and islands near southern Chile.

During non-breeding seasons, they disperse into surrounding waters, sometimes travelling hundreds of kilometres from their breeding sites.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Subantarctic, Temperate

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Southern Rockhopper Penguin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Argentina Chile Falkland Islands Heard Island and McDonald Islands New Zealand South Africa
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Australia
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Exceptional agility for a penguin, capable of hopping over rocky terrain with remarkable skill and precision. Can manoeuvre expertly underwater at speeds up to 25 km/h and leap up to 1.5 metres out of water onto rocky shores.

Strength 65

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not amongst the largest penguins, Southern Rockhoppers possess considerable strength for their size, enabling them to navigate challenging rocky terrain and dive to depths exceeding 100 metres. Their robust build supports efficient swimming and hunting.

Adaptability 78

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Highly adaptable to both marine and terrestrial environments, demonstrating remarkable versatility in foraging techniques and breeding site selection. Successfully inhabits various subantarctic and temperate regions, though vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Aggressiveness 70

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Shows notable territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season. Actively defends nesting sites with vocal displays and physical presence. Demonstrates assertiveness in colonial settings whilst maintaining social bonds.

Endurance 82

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Impressive endurance capabilities, evidenced by their ability to make extended foraging trips, dive repeatedly to significant depths, and swim hundreds of kilometres during non-breeding seasons. Their efficient swimming technique and robust physiology support sustained activity.

Diet

Southern Rockhopper Penguins primarily feed on small marine creatures. Their diet consists mainly of krill, small fish, and squid.

They are pursuit divers, catching prey by swimming at high speeds and manoeuvring skilfully underwater, often diving to depths of 100 meters or more.

Behaviour

Southern Rockhopper Penguins are known for their remarkable hopping ability, using both feet to bound over rocky terrain. They are highly social, forming large breeding colonies.

These penguins are excellent swimmers, using their flippers to 'fly' underwater at speeds up to 25 km/h when foraging.

Vocalisation

Southern Rockhopper Penguins are vocal birds, especially in their breeding colonies. Their calls include a loud, harsh 'caa-caa-caa' used for territorial defence and mate recognition.

During courtship, pairs engage in a duet of braying calls, often described as a donkey-like 'haw-haw-haw'.

Nesting & Breeding

Southern Rockhopper Penguins form monogamous pairs and return to the same breeding sites annually. The breeding season typically begins in October. Males arrive first to establish territories and prepare nests.

Nests are simple depressions in the ground, often lined with small stones and vegetation. Females usually lay two eggs, with the second egg being larger and more likely to hatch successfully.

Both parents take turns incubating the eggs for about 33 days. The chicks are brooded for about 25 days and fledge at 65-75 days old. After they fledge, the parents continue to feed them for several weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Vulnerable [1]

Southern Rockhopper Penguins are classified as Vulnerable due to population declines. Major threats include climate change, which affects food availability, and marine pollution.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and marine foraging areas, as well as monitoring population trends.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

2,500,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for their distinctive yellow crests and red eyes
  • Observe their unique hopping movement on land
  • Visit known breeding colonies during the summer months
  • Watch for their porpoising behaviour when swimming

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Rockhopper Penguin

Family:

Spheniscidae

Average Lifespan

10 years

Max Lifespan

29.4 years [3]

Predators

Main predators include fur seals, sea lions, and killer whales in the water, while skuas and gulls may prey on eggs and chicks on land.

Did You Know?

  1. Southern Rockhopper Penguins can leap up to 1.5 meters out of the water onto rocky shores.
  2. They have a unique salt gland above their eyes that helps them excrete excess salt from their marine diet.
  3. These penguins can dive to depths of over 100 meters in search of food.

References

  1. 1 2 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2020. Eudyptes chrysocome. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22735250A182762377.

    View source
  2. 3

    book, 2008: Glenday, Craig. Guinness World Records 2008. Guinness Media, Inc.

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