Rockhopper penguin Coloring Pages

Hopping along the rocks! Rockhopper penguin

The Rockhopper penguin lives on the rocky shores and steep cliffs of cold islands in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike other penguins that waddle around, it loves to hop with both feet together to move around. It dives into the ocean to catch and eat small fish, krill, and squid.

What they look like

They grow to about 50 centimeters tall, which is a bit small for a penguin. But they have lots of cool features!

• Yellow feathers: Its biggest feature is the bright yellow feathers above its eyes that point backward.
• Red beak and eyes: Its beak is thick and reddish-brown, and its eyes are a bright red color.
• Pink feet: Its pink feet help it hold on tight to the rocks. Its claws are super strong and sharp.

Where can you see them in Japan?

You can see the Rockhopper penguin at aquariums and zoos in Japan. Look for them hopping energetically on the rocks, or swimming through the water like they are flying! (Information can change, so check their websites before you visit.)

• Hokkaido: Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo
• Tokyo: Tokyo Sea Life Park
• Chiba Prefecture: Kamogawa Sea World
• Kanagawa Prefecture: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
• Osaka Prefecture: Kaiyukan
• Nagasaki Prefecture: Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

How to Choose Colors for Your Rockhopper Penguin

Here are some great color tips to make your Rockhopper penguin look just like a real one!

• Head Feathers: Color the famous head feathers with bright yellow so they stand out from far away!
• Body Colors: Color the belly a nice, clean white. Color the back, head, and front of the wings black or dark gray to make it look sharp.
• Eyes and Beak: Use red for the eyes, and red or orange for the beak. This will give your Rockhopper penguin a cool, strong look!
• Feet: Try coloring the toes and the bottoms of the feet a light pink.

How to Draw Rocky Backgrounds and Poses

Here are fun ways to show how strong and cool the Rockhopper penguin is!

• Shadows and Light: Mix a little blue or purple into the black back, or leave a tiny bit of white paper showing. This makes the feathers look shiny and wet!
• Rocks and the Sea: Color the bumpy rocks under its feet gray or brown. You can also draw blue ocean water and waves behind it to show its wild home!

The Name Comes from "Rockhopper"

In English, this bird is called a "Rockhopper penguin." "Rock" means rocks, and "hopper" means something that hops! It got this name because it uses both feet to jump up steep, rocky cliffs with lots of energy.

The Yellow Feathers Show How It Feels

The cool yellow feathers above its eyes are called crest feathers. They are not just for looks! When it talks with friends, gets angry, or shows off, the feathers stick straight up to show its feelings.

The Secret of the Red Eyes

The Rockhopper penguin's red eyes are not just cool-looking. People think these eyes help it see very well, both in bright sunlight and under the dark ocean water when looking for fish and krill to eat.