Rockhoppers inhabit the rocky islands of the sub-Antarctic, such as the Falklands, the Antipodes, and Macquarie Island. Because they nest on craggy shorelines, their ability to hop out of the water and up onto rocks is an important survival skill. It’s also how they got their common name. Both males and females sport a crest of yellow-and-black feathers, bright red eyes, and a sharp orange bill. The smallest of the six crested penguin species, rockhoppers can be aggressive, particularly when it comes to nesting sites. Females lay two eggs each breeding season, but only one is incubated. Both parents care for the chick. Rockhoppers are superb swimmers and hunters, who eat lantern fish, krill, and small squid.
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