The Snares penguin, also known as the Snares crested penguin and the Snares Islands penguin, is a penguin from New Zealand. The species breeds on the Snares Islands, a group of islands off the southern coast of the South Island. It is a yellow-crested penguin, with a size of 50–70 cm (19.5–27.5 in) and a weight of 2.5–4 kg (5.5–8.8 lb). It has dark blue-black upper parts and white underparts. It has a bright yellow eyebrow-stripe which extends over the eye to form a drooping, bushy crest. It has bare pink skin at the base of its large red-brown bill.
Region
Subantarctic New Zealand
Typical Environment
Breeds exclusively on the Snares Islands, off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, nesting in dense colonies beneath Olearia (tree daisy) forest and coastal scrub. Outside the breeding season, birds disperse through the cool, nutrient-rich shelf and slope waters around southern New Zealand. They forage at sea, often along frontal zones and upwelling areas, returning to shore to breed and molt. Nest sites are typically on shaded slopes and among boulders close to the shoreline, with well-worn paths connecting colonies to the sea.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 120 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to New Zealand’s Snares Islands, this crested penguin breeds in dense colonies under coastal forest and scrub. Like other crested penguins, it lays two eggs of unequal size; usually only the larger B-egg results in a surviving chick. The islands are free of introduced terrestrial predators, but the species remains vulnerable to marine threats and its very restricted breeding range.
Diving Snares penguins
Temperament
social at sea, territorial around nest sites
Flight Pattern
flightless; powerful underwater swimmer
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies with elaborate visual and vocal displays between mates and neighbors. Pairs are largely monogamous within a season and share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Typically lays two eggs of unequal size; usually only one chick is raised. Nests are placed under vegetation or among rocks for shade and protection.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud brays, barks, and trumpeting calls used for mate recognition and territorial displays. At nests, softer contact calls and rhythmic display songs accompany head-shaking and crest-raising.
