Fauna
Bird

Moseley's Rockhopper Penguin

Eudyptes moseleyi

Also known as Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Moseley's Penguin, Tristan Penguin

Northern rockhopper penguins are spirited, agile seabirds recognized by their dramatic crests of long, drooping bright yellow plumes and vivid red eyes. Instead of sliding on their bellies like many Antarctic relatives, they bound rapidly across jagged coastal boulders and sheer cliff faces to reach their dense nesting colonies. Pairs engage in noisy, elaborate courtship displays featuring vigorous head-shaking and braying calls, raising chicks in isolated islands of the South Atlantic and southern Indian Oceans.

PelagicColonialCrested
Moseley's Rockhopper Penguin reference
(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAntarctic Krill, Arrow Squid, Lanternfish
Predators
  • Subantarctic Fur Seal
  • Killer Whale
  • Brown Skua
ThreatsMarine pollution, overfishing, climate change, and introduced predators
HabitatsSubantarctic rocky shorelines, tussock grasslands, and open ocean
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilySpheniscidae
  2. SpeciesEudyptes moseleyi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp beaks deliver painful defensive bites if birds are cornered; view colonies from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses a heavy, serrated reddish-brown bill capable of tearing flesh and causing deep lacerations when defending territory.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for striking tassel-like yellow crests drooping past the nape, bright red eyes, and a stout reddish bill.
What to do
Never attempt to reach toward, touch, or corner an adult on its nest; step back immediately if a bird growls or lunges.
What to notice
Identifiable by its distinctively long, bushy yellow tassels compared to other crested penguins in subantarctic waters.
Support conservation
Avoid approaching breeding colonies during the egg-laying and guard stages, and keep water vessels clear of colony landing sites.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing distance: Maintain a buffer of at least 5 meters to avoid provoking distress calls or nest desertion.
  • Colony access: Stick strictly to designated footpaths on remote islands to avoid trampling delicate tussock burrows.
Related species
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