Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)

    The rockhopper penguin gets its name from it movement from hopping from rock to rock. They can grow to be 21 inches tall and weigh between 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. An average life span of a rockhopper penguin is about 10 years. The amazing thing about rockhopper penguins is that they have a yellow line across their eyebrow; they have red eyes, and an orange beak. They are very loud, especially during mating season. They communicate by shaking their head, vocally, bowing, preening, and head and flipper waving. Scientist is very worried because rockhopper penguins are vulnerable to becoming extinct.

   During the breeding season, rockhoppers are found in large colonies on sub antartic islands. During the cold winter, the rockhoppers are out at sea.

   Rockhopper Penguins' main diet consists of krill, fish and squid.