Why are rockhopper penguins named for their characteristic hopping movement?
Answer
They navigate the steep, rocky terrain surrounding breeding colonies by hopping
The common name for these birds stems directly from their unique method of locomotion when traversing their breeding grounds. Unlike birds that walk or waddle across flatter surfaces, rockhopper penguins frequently utilize a characteristic hopping or 'rocking' motion to effectively move across the challenging, steep, and rocky landscapes that characterize the areas immediately surrounding their nesting sites.
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