The Northern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes Moseleyi) is one of the three sub-species of Rockhopper penguins. They Have a different crest and voice than other Rockhoppers. It the longest crest of the three. It can be recognized because the other two sub-species are slightly smaller, and have a shorter and spikier crest. The northern rockhopper's crest surrounds the eye, almost looking like an eyebrow
Origin[]
Scientific Origin[]
This penguin's origin is unknown as itself, but it was discovered that it is a separate species from the Southern Rockhopper on 2006, because the penguins had different voices and genetical differences
Characteristics[]
Adult[]
The adult Northern Rockhopper has a height of 52 cm, and a weight of around 3 kg. They have an inner flipper design made up of black and white, and the outside of the flipper is plain black. They have A long crest on each side of the head, which looks slightly like if they were eyebrows. They have red eyes.
Chick[]
The chick is Very small, looking like an adult, but slightly rounder, and crestless
Food Habits[]
As well as most penguins, the northern rockhopper's diet is composed of Krill, squid, and fish, with some other crustaceans and cephalopods.
Predators[]
As most penguins, It is hunted by Leopard Seals, Orcas, and ocassionaly sharks, and the eggs are hunted upon by Skuas and Petrels.
Courtship and breeding[]
Courtship includes bowing, and exastic display, in which the Male reaches their head up and gives a series of cries while shaking their head from side to side. They then procceed to mutual display, in which both penguins start making synchronized movements.
Egg Care[]
The duties are shared by the parents. During the 2-3 week incubation time, The male goes on a foraging trip of around 9-15 days, and then the female goes for about 2 weeks.
Raising The Baby[]
The baby is usually raised by their father. They usually stay in their parent's feet for their first 2-3 weeks, but they grow very quickly too big to fit in the parents pouch. Then they are looked after by their parents until they are old enough to breed
Fun facts[]
- In popular kid game Club Penguin, There is a pirate called Rockhopper. He is the only Rockhopper penguin in the game.
- Cody Maverick From animated movie Surf's Up belongs to this genus. He is a Southern Rockhopper Penguin
- Lovelace from movie Happy Feet is of the genus
More Pictures[]
This are pictures of a Northern Rockhopper Colony as of it's everyday life
Sources[]
Various Sources