Animal Guide

Northern Rockhopper Penguin

1 destination · 1 state

Native Range: Subantarctic islands and southern Atlantic and Indian Ocean waters

Northern rockhopper penguins are small, energetic birds that rarely seem to move in just one direction. On land, they hop across rocks instead of simply waddling, using their strong feet to navigate steep, uneven surfaces. At a zoo or aquarium, watch for the bright yellow-and-black crest feathers above the eyes, which give the penguin a wonderfully untidy appearance. Groups can be noisy, with birds calling, preening, and jostling around their rocky habitat. Once in the water, their style changes completely. Flipper-like wings propel them through the sea as they chase fish, squid, and other prey, and they can leap through the surface in quick bursts. Northern rockhoppers breed on remote subantarctic islands, where colonies gather on rocky cliffs and slopes. Their compact bodies and strong legs are well suited to this rough terrain. A close view makes it easy to see why their name fits so well: these penguins really do hop from rock to rock rather than relying entirely on the familiar penguin waddle.

Where to see Northern Rockhopper Penguin

1 destination across 1 state

1 destination

Moody Gardens

Galveston, TX

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