Western Rockhopper Penguin

penguin · rockhopper · South America · ocean

Super small swimmers. Western rockhopper penguins are one of the smallest penguin species, standing only about 20 inches tall. Despite their tiny size, they're bold hunters that dive deep into subantarctic waters to catch fish and squid.

Rocky climbers. These penguins got their name because they literally hop and jump over rocks on coastal shores. Their strong flippers and legs let them bounce from boulder to boulder with amazing agility.

Fancy feathers. Western rockhoppers have distinctive spiky yellow crests on their heads that stick up like wild hair. These fancy feathers help them look impressive and probably help them recognize each other.

Southern home. You'll only find these penguins in the subantarctic waters and islands around the southern coast of South America, including places like the Falkland Islands and islands off Chile and Argentina.