Macaroni Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Macaroni Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Macaroni Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
3.3-6.6 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Macaroni Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes chrysolophus | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 51-77 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 3.3-6.6 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~6,300,000 pairs | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Macaroni Penguin
VulnerableSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes chrysolophus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Macaroni Penguin
51-77 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Macaroni Penguin
3.3-6.6 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Macaroni Penguin
8-15 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Macaroni Penguin
~6,300,000 pairs
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Macaroni Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish, Crustaceans
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Macaroni Penguin
Rocky, cliff-bound coastlines, Sub-Antarctic islands
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Macaroni Penguin
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Macaroni Penguin
Eudyptes
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Macaroni Penguin
The most numerous penguin species in the world with an estimated 8–12 million breeding pairs, named after the flamboyant 18th-century 'Macaroni' fashion trend. Despite their huge numbers, they are Vulnerable due to rapid declines.
Learn more about Macaroni 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, Macaroni Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is larger, standing up to 77cm tall compared to the Snares Penguin's 61cm.
Which is more endangered, Macaroni Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Macaroni Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Macaroni Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
Macaroni Penguins are found in South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Crozet Islands, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, South Sandwich Islands. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).