Eastern Rockhopper Penguin

Eudyptes filholi is a small crested penguin breeding on New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. It differs from erect-crested penguin through its thinner drooping yellow crests and smaller size. Adults are black above and white below with red eyes and narrow yellow eyebrow plumes. The strong pink feet suit steep rocky landings.

It breeds in the Auckland and Antipodes island groups and ranges through surrounding seas. Colonies occupy boulder slopes, cliffs and tussock margins. It dives for krill, squid and small fish. Birds hop over rocks and form dense noisy colonies during breeding.

The New Zealand classification is Nationally Vulnerable. Auckland and Antipodes expedition cruises offer offshore sightings; land access is tightly controlled.