Rockhopper Penguins

Rockhopper penguins are small, tough penguins with a big personality. They have spiky yellow and black feathers on their heads that look like wild eyebrows. Rockhoppers got their name because they hop from rock to rock on steep, rocky shorelines.

Hopping Around

Unlike other penguins that waddle or slide, rockhoppers bounce and hop across rocky cliffs. They can jump several feet high to get up steep rocks. Their strong claws grip the slippery surfaces. Rockhoppers are the most agile penguins on land.

Tough Little Penguins

Rockhoppers are among the smallest penguins, standing only about 20 inches tall. But they are very aggressive and will fight much larger animals to protect their nests. They live on rocky islands in the southern oceans. Rockhoppers are one of the most numerous penguin species.

Fun Facts

• Rockhopper penguins can jump up to 6 feet to clear obstacles on rocky cliffs.
• They are one of the smallest penguin species, standing only about 20 inches tall.
• Rockhoppers have bright red eyes.

Did You Know?

Rockhopper penguins are so tough that they will charge at much larger animals, including humans, if they feel threatened. Their spiky head feathers make them look even more fierce!