- Based on recent genetic information, the Rockhopper Penguin species complex includes two subspecies of the Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome): the Southern Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome) and the Eastern Rockhopper (Eudyptes chrysocome filholi), as well as the Northern Rockhopper Penguin.
- Similar to the Macaroni penguins, the Rockhopper penguins have decorative feather tufts on their heads -- theirs are yellow in color.
- Their most unusual trait is their ability to hop from rock to rock to their nesting places. They keep both feet together when hopping. Using this method, they are able to hop up to four or five feet!
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