About the Northern Rockhopper Penguin

Northern Rockhopper penguins are a group of crested penguins known for their distinctive yellow and black spiky feathers on their heads, red eyes, and strong, pink-webbed feet. They belong to the genus Eudyptes and are named for their habit of hopping over rocks and crevices in their rugged, rocky island habitats.

The Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) inhabits Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, including Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.

Like many penguins, they have a classic black-and-white coloration, with a white belly and a black back, head, and wings.

Northern Rockhopper penguins are among the most numerous on the planet, but their population is at risk.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Northern rockhopper penguin as endangered and the southern and eastern rockhopper penguins as vulnerable.

Rockhopper penguin populations have been declining, mainly due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

Northern Rockhopper Penguin Photography

Jamie Lafferty

Northern Rockhoppers on Tristan De Cunha Jamie Lafferty

Northern Rockhoppers

Northern Rockhoppers on Tristan De Cunha

Southern Rockhopper Penguin Portrait

Southern Rockhopper

Southern Rockhopper Penguin Portrait

Where to see Northern Rockhopper Penguins

They are found in various places, including subantarctic islands, the South Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

Interesting facts about Northern Rockhopper Penguins

Rockhopper penguins are one of the smallest penguin species, standing about 45-58 cm tall and weighing around 2-3.5 kg.

The Rockhopper's yellow "eyebrow" is called a "supercilium."


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