Humboldt Penguin vs Snares Penguin
The Humboldt Penguin and Snares Penguin represent two distinct branches of the penguin family tree. While they share the fundamental penguin body plan — flightless, counter-shaded, built for swimming — their approaches to food, breeding, and habitat tell very different survival stories. Here is how they compare across the dimensions that matter.
Humboldt Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
3.6-5.9 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Humboldt Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus humboldti | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 56-70 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 3.6-5.9 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~23,800 individuals | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | Peru, Chile | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Humboldt Penguin
VulnerableSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Humboldt Penguin
56-70 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Humboldt Penguin
3.6-5.9 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Humboldt Penguin
15-20 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Humboldt Penguin
~23,800 individuals
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Humboldt Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Herring, Squid
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Humboldt Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Desert coasts, Islands
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Humboldt Penguin
Peru, Chile
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
Key Differences
The most visible difference is size: the Humboldt Penguin stands up to 70 cm tall, while the Snares Penguin reaches just 61 cm — making them modestly different in height. In weight, the gap is equally telling: Humboldt Penguins can weigh up to 5.9 kg compared to the Snares Penguin's 4 kg.
Their habitats diverge significantly. Humboldt Penguins are adapted to rocky coastlines and desert coasts and islands, while Snares Penguins occupy sub-antarctic islands and rocky shores and olearia forest. This habitat split reflects different evolutionary responses to predation pressure, breeding requirements, and food access.
Geographically, these species rarely overlap. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile, whereas Snares Penguins live in Snares Islands (New Zealand). Their separate ranges mean they face different ocean conditions, predator communities, and human pressures.
Key Similarities
Both species rely on squid as key parts of their diet. This dietary overlap means they respond to similar changes in ocean productivity — when prey populations shift, both species feel the pressure, even if they forage in different waters.
Both species share the same IUCN conservation status of Vulnerable. While the specific threats differ, this shared classification reflects comparable levels of population risk relative to historical baselines.
About Each Species
Humboldt Penguin
Named after the cold Humboldt Current, these penguins live along the coasts of Peru and Chile in one of the most arid environments inhabited by any penguin, nesting in burrows dug into guano deposits.
Learn more about Humboldt PenguinSnares Penguin
Endemic to the tiny Snares Islands south of New Zealand, this yellow-crested penguin has the most restricted range of any penguin species, yet maintains a healthy population thanks to the absence of introduced predators.
Learn more about Snares PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Humboldt Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Humboldt Penguin is larger, standing up to 70 cm tall and weighing up to 5.9 kg. The Snares Penguin is smaller at up to 61 cm and 4 kg.
Are Humboldt Penguins or Snares Penguins more endangered?
Both species share the same IUCN status of Vulnerable. The Humboldt Penguin has an estimated population of ~23,800 individuals, while the Snares Penguin has ~25,000 pairs.
Do Humboldt Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
No, their ranges do not overlap. Humboldt Penguins are found in Peru, Chile, while Snares Penguins live in Snares Islands (New Zealand). This geographic separation means they face different environmental pressures and predator communities.
What do Humboldt Penguins and Snares Penguins eat?
Both species eat squid. The Humboldt Penguin's full diet includes anchovies, sardines, herring, squid, while the Snares Penguin feeds on krill, squid, small fish.
Which lives longer, Humboldt Penguin or Snares Penguin?
Both species have similar lifespans of 15–20 years for the Humboldt Penguin and 15–20 years for the Snares Penguin.
Are Humboldt Penguins and Snares Penguins related?
Both are penguins in the family Spheniscidae, but they belong to different genera: Humboldt Penguins are in the genus Spheniscus, while Snares Penguins are in Eudyptes. They share a common ancestor but have diverged significantly in body plan and ecological niche.