Southern Rockhopper Penguins

The southern rockhopper penguin is a species of rockhopper penguin, that is sometimes considered distinct from the northern rockhopper penguin. They are found in subantarctic waters of the western Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as around the southern coasts of South America.

This is the smallest yellow-crested, black-and-white penguin in the genus Eudyptes. It reaches a length of 45–58 cm (18–23 in) and typically weighs 2–3.4 kg (4.4–7.5 lb.), although there are records of exceptionally large rockhoppers weighing 4.5 kg (9.9 lb.). They have slate-grey upper parts and has straight, bright yellow eyebrows ending in long yellowish plumes projecting sideways behind a red eye.

Their common name refers to the fact that, unlike many other penguins which get around obstacles by sliding on their bellies or by awkward climbing using their flipper-like wings as aid, rockhoppers will try to jump over boulders and across cracks.

Their breeding colonies are located from sea level to cliff-tops and sometimes inland. Their breeding season starts in September and ends in November. Two eggs are laid but only one is usually incubated. Incubation lasts 35 days and their chicks are brooded for 26 days.

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Some Penguin Facts

* Instead of wings, penguins use their flippers for swimming, and they can drink salty sea water for up to 20 minutes without coming up for air.

* Majority of the penguins are monogamous except Emperor Penguins who are serially monogamous, meaning they have same partner for a season rather than life.

* Penguins have a sharp eyesight, which allows them to see clearly in and out of water. Like humans, penguins also have a binocular vision, meaning they can focus on a single object with both the eyes.

* The black and white colored body of penguins is a camouflage. The black markings protect them from the predators outside the water while as the white markings make them almost invisible inside the water.

More Penguin Facts

The black and white colored body of penguins is a camouflage. The black markings protect them from the predators outside the water while as the white markings make them almost invisible inside the water.
Penguins are carnivores, and eat small fishes and shrimps while swimming.
Little Blue Penguin, also known as the Fairy Penguin is the smallest penguin. It weighs only 1 kg and is around 33 cm tall.
Different species of penguins have different life spans, which may vary from 6 to 30 years.
Out of 17-20 species of penguin, 10 species have been declared as vulnerable or endangered, and are currently enlisted on the IUCN’s red list.
Penguins can't fly, but they can swim up to 15 mph.
Penguins can weigh anywhere from 2 to 88 pounds (0.9 kg to 40 kg).
Emperor Penguins are the largest breed of penguin.
All penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.