ROCKHOPPER PENGUINS (Eudyptes chrysocome)
SIZE:
- 16-18 in. (41-46 cm)
- 5-6 lb (2.5 kg)
THREAT LEVEL:
Vulnerable
DISTRIBUTION:
- Islands near Antarctica
HABITAT:
Breeding colonies are located on rocky slopes and in grass, sometimes in small caves, crevices or burrows.
MARKINGS:
Red eyes and drooping yellow crests that start behind the eyes. Rockhoppers are smaller than other crested penguins.
NEST TYPE:
- In colonies out in the open with nests made from grass, peat, and pebbles.
PREY:
- Fishes, squid, krill, crusaceans
PREDATORS:
New Zealand fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, Southern sea lions, skuas, gulls
POPULATION ESTIMATE:
- 1.8 million breeding pairs
Sources:
http://www.penguins.cl/penguins-species.htm
http://www.penguinworld.com/types/adelie.html
noaa.org
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