Northern Rockhopper Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Northern Rockhopper Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Northern Rockhopper Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes moseleyi | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 45-58 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 2-3.4 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~240,300 pairs | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
EndangeredSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes moseleyi
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
~240,300 pairs
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Fish, Crustaceans
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
Only recognized as a separate species from the Southern Rockhopper in 2006, Northern Rockhoppers have longer, more luxuriant crest feathers and have suffered a devastating ~90% population decline over the past century.
Learn more about Northern Rockhopper 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, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Snares Penguin is larger, standing up to 61cm tall compared to the Northern Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Northern Rockhopper Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Northern Rockhopper Penguin is classified as "Endangered" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Northern Rockhopper Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
Northern Rockhopper Penguins are found in Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, Amsterdam Island, St. Paul Island. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).