Little Blue Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Little Blue Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
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
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 61cm tall compared to the Little Blue Penguin's 33cm.
Which is more endangered, Little Blue Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Little Blue Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Little Blue Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
Little Blue Penguins are found in New Zealand, Southern Australia. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).