{"id":58909,"title":"Rockhopper Penguins: Small birds, big presence","description":"Meet the rockhopper penguins: remarkable crests, rocky island homes and distinctive character captured in our photography-based artwork.","content":"

\"AImage: A Rockhopper penguin has a doze in an aquarium, South Africa.<\/em><\/p>

Yellow crests, red eyes and a name that describes their way of getting around. Rockhopper penguins have a look that\u2019s hard to overlook - and particularly rewarding to turn into artwork.<\/strong><\/p>

The feathers catch your attention first. But there\u2019s more to these birds than a magnificent hairstyle.<\/p>

A name they\u2019ve earned<\/h2>

Rockhoppers breed on rugged islands where getting between the sea and their nesting grounds involves some decidedly uneven terrain.<\/p>

Their answer is to hop: across gaps, over boulders and up steep slopes. Watching a penguin negotiate that landscape gives you a different perspective on a bird we so often associate with waddling.<\/p>

The name is pleasingly straightforward. No elaborate explanation required.<\/p>

Those unmistakable eyebrows<\/h2>

The yellow feathers sweeping out above their eyes are part of a crest, giving rockhoppers that wonderfully dishevelled appearance.<\/p>

Look closer and there are red eyes and a sturdy reddish bill, too. Together, these features can give them an expression of considerable determination. Whether the bird actually disapproves of you is another matter!<\/p>

For an illustration, that combination offers plenty to work with: fine feather detail, a strong profile and character that survives even when the colour is translated into black ink. My rockhopper photographs were taken at London Zoo and an aquarium in Cape Town. Those encounters gave me the chance to capture the distinctive feathers and poses that guide my artwork.<\/p>

\"Close<\/u><\/a>Image: Close up of the Rockhopper illustration on our <\/em>tote bag<\/u><\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

Northern and southern neighbours<\/h2>

\u201cRockhopper\u201d covers more than one species. Northern rockhoppers breed on islands in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, including Tristan da Cunha. Southern rockhoppers breed farther south, including in the Falkland Islands.<\/p>

Northern birds generally have longer, more lavish crest feathers than their southern relatives. Even among penguins with remarkable headwear, there are degrees.<\/p>

Tough terrain, uncertain futures<\/h2>

Their ability to tackle a rocky slope doesn\u2019t protect them from changes at sea.<\/p>

Northern rockhopper penguins are classified as Endangered<\/strong>, while southern rockhoppers are Vulnerable<\/strong>. Changing ocean conditions and food availability are among the concerns for these birds. Protecting their feeding grounds matters alongside protecting the places where they breed.<\/p>

A little rockhopper character to take home<\/h2>

My rockhopper artwork is based on original wildlife photography<\/strong>, with the bird\u2019s pose and distinctive feathers guiding the illustration.<\/p>

Those details give the design its character. If a rockhopper has caught your eye, please do explore the shop<\/u><\/a> and choose something you\u2019ll enjoy wearing, using or giving to another penguin admirer. Thanks for your support!<\/p>

Find your favourite rockhopper <\/strong>design in the shop<\/u><\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>

10% of profits donated to penguin conservation.<\/strong><\/p>

Darren<\/strong>
Founder & Head Penguin<\/em><\/p>

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