Rockhopper Penguins
Scientific Name: Eudyptes Chrysocome

Like other penguins, the Rockhopper has black back  feathers and white front feathers. But, the Rockhopper has a unique feature. The Rockhopper is a crested penguin. It has a yellow stripe that begins on either side of the beak and  continues above the eyes and ends in a tuft of feathers that droops behind the head.

They get their name because they make short hops over rocks and crevices where they live. They are loud, noisy and feisty and will attack if they are bothered.

Chicks have grey-black backs and white fronts.

Rockhoppers can grow up to 55 cm tall but can be as short as 45 cm. They can weigh as much as 5 kg, but usually weigh about 2.7 kg.

When Rockhoppers build nests they are just scraped out hollows that are lined with plants, leaves, and grasses. Usually two eggs are laid but the first one often does not survive. It is often food for predators.

The second one, which is bigger, is cared for until it hatches about 33 days after it is laid. During this time the parents will take turns caring for the egg. Each one takes a turn of about 10 days. After the egg hatches, the parents take care of the chick. The male stays with the chick while the female will go and get food to bring home. This lasts for about 26 days. After 26 days, the chicks will gather together in small groups called crèches for warmth and protection. Both parents will bring food to their chick while the chicks are with crèche. The chick knows the parents' voices and will come when called to be fed. When the chicks are about 70 days old, the baby feathers fall out and the adult feathers grow in. This is called molting. At this time they go out to sea on their own to gather their own food.

Rockhoppers like to eat krill, fish, and squid.