Fishin' for Facts:Rockhopper Penguin

• Size:

Rockhopper penguins can be 16 to 18 inches tall.  They can weigh 6 pounds.

 

• Where are they found?

All penguins are only found in the Southern Hemisphere. Rockhopper  penguins are found on subantarctic islands.

 

• What do they eat?

Rockhopper penguins eat a variety squid and krill.

 

• Highlights

Rockhopper penguins are one of the crested penguins.  They also have red eyes. You can probably guess why they're called "rockhoppers."  Yep, they jump from rock to rock. 

 

Rockhoppers have been described as "fearless" and "bad-tempered" by scientists.  They use their sharp beaks to protect themselves and encourage "intruders" to leave nesting sites.

 

There are an estimated 1,882,000 pairs of rockhopper penguins.  The population is considered "vulnerable" by the World Conservation Union.

 

At one time rockhoppers and other penguins were hunted for their oil.  Today, all species are protected.

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