Meet the Southern Rockhopper Penguin

The southern rockhopper penguin is one of the most spirited and unmistakable characters of the Falkland Islands. Small in size but bursting with personality, they’re known for their spiky yellow crest feathers, red eyes, and their distinctive, bouncing hop—used to navigate the steep cliffs and rocky shores where they breed.

Rockhoppers belong to the crested penguin group, sharing traits with species like the macaroni and northern rockhopper penguins. Unlike many other penguins that waddle, rockhoppers use both feet together to hop up rocky slopes, making their colonies seem more like penguin obstacle courses than beaches.

In the Falkland Islands, they nest in dense colonies on remote sea cliffs, often accessible only by foot or boat. They build simple nests from grass and stones, and lay two eggs—though typically, only one chick is raised.

Their diet consists mostly of small fish, krill, and squid. Despite their small size, they’re impressive divers and can travel long distances offshore to find food, especially during the demanding chick-rearing period.

Southern rockhopper penguins may be tough and scrappy, but they’re also incredibly endearing. Watching them return from the sea, crest feathers blowing in the wind, is one of the true highlights of a visit to the Falklands.