Magellanic Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Magellanic Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Magellanic Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
2.7-6.5 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Magellanic Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus magellanicus | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 61-76 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 2.7-6.5 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~1,800,000 pairs | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Magellanic Penguin
Least ConcernSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Magellanic Penguin
61-76 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Magellanic Penguin
2.7-6.5 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Magellanic Penguin
25-30 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Magellanic Penguin
~1,800,000 pairs
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Magellanic Penguin
Fish, Squid, Crustaceans, Krill
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Magellanic Penguin
Coastal burrows, Rocky shores, Grasslands
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Magellanic Penguin
Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Magellanic Penguin
Named after Ferdinand Magellan who first spotted them in 1520, these medium-sized South American penguins are among the most migratory penguin species, with distinctive two black bands between head and breast.
Learn more about Magellanic 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, Magellanic Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Snares Penguin's 61cm.
Which is more endangered, Magellanic Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Magellanic Penguin is classified as "Least Concern" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Magellanic Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
Magellanic Penguins are found in Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, Southern Brazil. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).