The Southern Rockhopper Penguin is a small, feisty crested penguin known for its distinctive spiky yellow crests and habit of hopping over rocky terrain. It has bright red eyes and a short, stout orange bill. These agile birds breed in dense colonies on sub-Antarctic islands.
Where to spot
Breeds on sub-Antarctic islands in the South Atlantic (Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island) and southern Indian Ocean (Crozet, Kerguelen). Forages in the surrounding Southern Ocean.
How to spot
Look for its small size, black upperparts, white belly, red eyes, a short orange bill, and the spiky yellow crests that extend from above its eyes. Observe its characteristic hopping gait on rocky shores. Listen for its loud, braying calls.
When to spot
Present in colonies during the austral spring and summer (September-March) for breeding. Disperses at sea during the austral winter. Easily observed at accessible colonies.
Where to spot
Breeds on sub-Antarctic islands in the South Atlantic (Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island) and southern Indian Ocean (Crozet, Kerguelen). Forages in the surrounding Southern Ocean.
How to spot
Look for its small size, black upperparts, white belly, red eyes, a short orange bill, and the spiky yellow crests that extend from above its eyes. Observe its characteristic hopping gait on rocky shores. Listen for its loud, braying calls.
When to spot
Present in colonies during the austral spring and summer (September-March) for breeding. Disperses at sea during the austral winter. Easily observed at accessible colonies.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
True to their name, Rockhopper Penguins are adept at 'hopping' between rocks using both feet together, a behavior unique among penguins that typically waddle or slide.
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