Rockhopper Penguin

What they look like

Rockhoppers are one of the smallest penguins that are recognisable by their spiky yellow and black crests on their head.

Animal facts

As well as giving loud cries, these birds shake their yellow eyebrows to attract a mate. Nests are usually small scrapes lined with vegetation. Parents take turn looking after the egg, both not being afraid to peck at anything that strays too close.

Due to their rocky habitat, rockhoppers can’t slide on their bellies to get around. Instead, these penguins hop to get around, hence the name!

What they eat

Krill, squid, octopus, fish, molluscs, plankton, cuttlefish and crustaceans.

Habitat

Steep, rocky coasts.

Where they live

Southern Oceans, but travel as far north as the southern most tip of Africa and South America.

Threats

Pollution from oil spills, overfishing and hunting by seals and sharks.