The Rockhopper penguin’s scientific name is Eudyptes Chroysocome. This penguin stands at 20 inches and weighs 5-6 Lbs. These penguins mate with partners from previous years. They usually lay 2 eggs. After the eggs are laid, the male must keep them in his pouch for the next 4 months.

 

Rockhopper penguins live in high grasses called tussocks, where they burrow and make nests. They also live in rocky areas. Temperate grassland and costal areas are their main habitats. These penguins got their name “Rockhopper” from the habit of hopping around. The part Rock comes because they live in rocky areas.

 

Next, I am sure that you would want to know their kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Well here they are; kingdom-Animalia, phylum- Chordata, subphylum- Vertebrata, class-Aves, order-Spheinsciformes, family- is the same as their order, and the genus is Eudyptes.

 

Their diet is mainly krill. They also eat other small fish. They usually find food during their daily trips to the sea. If the female does not return with food for the chick and the male, the male will then produce “penguin milk.” Rockhoppers are carnivores. It is the female’s job to provide food for her, the male, and the chick.

 

 Rockhoppers main predators are blue sharks, leopard seals, and fur seals. Eggs and chicks are eaten by birds kike petrels and Dominican gulls. Sharks also eat eggs and chicks. These penguins really need to be careful if the really want to survive and not become extinct.

 

Author:Annamarie M.

Published: April 2006

 

Sources:Phlem , D 1999. "Eudyptes Chroysocome"(Outline) Animaldiversity.web. www.animaldiversity.ummz.edu/site/accountsa/information/Eduptes_chrysocome.htm