eastern rockhopper penguin

The eastern rockhopper penguin is one of two species of crested penguins, characterized by red eyes, yellow superciliary stripes above each eye, and a black crest. These penguins are small, typically standing under 22 inches tall and weighing around 5.5 to 6.6 pounds. They primarily feed on krill, supplemented by crustaceans and cephalopods.1

Rockhopper penguins nest in large colonies on subantarctic islands. While they often form pair bonds for a single breeding season, these partnerships rarely extend beyond that year. Their eggs and chicks are preyed upon by birds like skuas and fulmars, while adults are hunted by seals and sea lions. The northern rockhopper penguin is classified as endangered due to significant population declines, attributed to factors like drift net fishing and increased predation.12