King Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the King Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
King Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
King Penguin
85-95 cm
11-16 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | King Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Aptenodytes patagonicus | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 85-95 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 11-16 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~2,230,000 pairs | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Aptenodytes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
King Penguin
Least ConcernSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
King Penguin
85-95 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
King Penguin
11-16 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
King Penguin
25-30 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
King Penguin
~2,230,000 pairs
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
King Penguin
Lanternfish, Squid, Small crustaceans
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
King Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky coastlines
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
King Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
King Penguin
Aptenodytes
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
King Penguin
The second-largest penguin species, King Penguins form some of the largest and densest seabird colonies on Earth, with striking orange and yellow markings and an unusually long 14–16 month breeding cycle.
Learn more about King 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, King Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The King Penguin is larger, standing up to 95cm tall compared to the Snares Penguin's 61cm.
Which is more endangered, King Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The King Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do King Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
King Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Macquarie Island. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).