Little Blue Penguin vs Snares Penguin
The Little Blue 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.
Little Blue Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
1-1.5 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Little Blue Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptula minor | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 30-33 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 1-1.5 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 6-25 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~469,760 individuals | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | New Zealand, Southern Australia | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Eudyptula | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Little Blue Penguin
Least ConcernSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Little Blue Penguin
30-33 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Little Blue Penguin
1-1.5 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Little Blue Penguin
6-25 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Little Blue Penguin
~469,760 individuals
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Little Blue Penguin
Small fish, Squid, Crustaceans
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Little Blue Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Burrows, Coastal forests
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Little Blue Penguin
New Zealand, Southern Australia
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
Key Differences
The most visible difference is size: the Snares Penguin stands up to 61 cm tall, while the Little Blue Penguin reaches just 33 cm — making them noticeably different in stature. In weight, the gap is equally telling: Snares Penguins can weigh up to 4 kg compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 1.5 kg.
Their habitats diverge significantly. Little Blue Penguins are adapted to rocky coastlines and burrows and coastal forests, 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. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia, whereas Snares Penguins live in Snares Islands (New Zealand). Their separate ranges mean they face different ocean conditions, predator communities, and human pressures.
Conservation outlook also separates them. The Snares Penguin is classified as Vulnerable, facing more acute survival pressure than the Little Blue Penguin, which holds a status of Least Concern. Listed as Vulnerable because their entire breeding population is confined to a single small island group. However, the Snares Islands are free of introduced predators and strictly protected, giving the species a relatively healthy population of around 25,000 pairs.
Little Blue Penguins also tend to live longer, with a lifespan of 6–25 years compared to 15–20 years for the Snares Penguin.
Key Similarities
Both species rely on small fish, 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.
Like all penguins, both species are flightless seabirds that have traded aerial flight for underwater agility. Their wings function as stiff flippers, propelling them through water with the efficiency of a flying bird in air — an adaptation shared across all 18 penguin species.
About Each Species
Little Blue Penguin
The world's smallest penguin species at just 30–33 cm tall and around 1 kg, Little Blue Penguins are unique for their slate-blue plumage and nocturnal habits on land, returning to their burrows only after dark.
Learn more about Little Blue 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, Little Blue Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Snares Penguin is larger, standing up to 61 cm tall and weighing up to 4 kg. The Little Blue Penguin is smaller at up to 33 cm and 1.5 kg.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Snares Penguin faces greater conservation risk with a status of Vulnerable and an estimated population of ~25,000 pairs. The Little Blue Penguin is classified as Least Concern with a population of ~469,760 individuals. Listed as Vulnerable because their entire breeding population is confined to a single small island group.
Do Little Blue Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
No, their ranges do not overlap. Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia, while Snares Penguins live in Snares Islands (New Zealand). This geographic separation means they face different environmental pressures and predator communities.
What do Little Blue Penguins and Snares Penguins eat?
Both species eat small fish and squid. The Little Blue Penguin's full diet includes small fish, squid, crustaceans, while the Snares Penguin feeds on krill, squid, small fish.
Which lives longer, Little Blue Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin typically lives longer at 6–25 years, compared to 15–20 years for the Snares Penguin.
Are Little Blue Penguins and Snares Penguins related?
Both are penguins in the family Spheniscidae, but they belong to different genera: Little Blue Penguins are in the genus Eudyptula, while Snares Penguins are in Eudyptes. They share a common ancestor but have diverged significantly in body plan and ecological niche.