Rockhopper Penguin

Presentation

The Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) is a small penguin identified by its yellow crests and red eyes. It gets its name from the way it moves across rocks, leaping in bounds rather than walking. This species nests in dense colonies on the rocky coasts of subantarctic islands. An excellent swimmer, it spends most of the year at sea foraging for food. Its populations have declined sharply over the past few decades, making it one of the most threatened penguin species.

The plumage is black on the back and white on the belly, with bright yellow eyebrows extended by long tapered black feathers. The eyes are red and the bill is short, thick, and orange. Its small size and stocky build distinguish it from other rockhopper species.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The species nests on rocky coasts and cliffs of subantarctic islands, often in mixed colonies with other seabirds. It spends the rest of the year far out at sea, away from the coasts.

Behaviour

This bird is gregarious and forms large noisy colonies on cliffs and rocky slopes. It moves on land by hopping on both feet, from which its common name derives. At sea, it swims and dives with agility to catch its prey.

Reproduction

The clutch typically consists of two eggs, but usually only the second, which is larger, produces a viable chick. Both parents take turns incubating and feeding the young bird. Incubation lasts approximately one month, followed by a period of care in the nest before fledging.

Peculiarities

Its distinctive yellow crests and hopping mode of locomotion make it an easily recognisable species among penguins. It ranks among the smallest members of its family.

Threats and conservation

Climate change, industrial fishing reducing prey stocks, and marine pollution represent the main threats. Populations have experienced marked decline at several historical breeding sites.

References

Profile updated 08 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.