Rockhopper Penguins
Rockhoppers are sub-Antarctic penguins which form relatively small breeding colonies (rookeries) in rocky beaches on sub-Antarctic islands.
They are small (just 21 inches in height), and have distinctive yellow crest feathers on either side of their heads. They differ from the more common macaroni penguin in that the crest does not extend over the head where they have a band of black spiky feathers. They have small red eyes and a thick bill.
They form nests by lining rock crevices with tussock grass or other vegetation and feed mainly on krill. Rockhoppers get their name from their practice of jumping from rock to rock in their rookeries. They are aggressive and have a squawking call.
These pictures were taken at a small rookery on the islands of Kerguelen
