Royal Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Royal Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Royal Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
3-8 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | Royal Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes schlegeli | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 65-76 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 3-8 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~850,000 pairs | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Small fish, Squid | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | Macquarie Island (Australia) | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Royal Penguin
Near ThreatenedSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes schlegeli
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
Royal Penguin
65-76 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
Royal Penguin
3-8 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
Royal Penguin
15-20 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
Royal Penguin
~850,000 pairs
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
Royal Penguin
Krill, Small fish, Squid
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
Royal Penguin
Sandy and rocky beaches, Vegetation-covered slopes
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
Royal Penguin
Macquarie Island (Australia)
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
Royal Penguin
Eudyptes
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Royal Penguin
Found exclusively on Macquarie Island, Royal Penguins are closely related to Macaroni Penguins but distinguished by their white or pale grey face. Their species status is still debated by scientists.
Learn more about Royal 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, Royal Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is larger, standing up to 76cm tall compared to the Snares Penguin's 61cm.
Which is more endangered, Royal Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The Royal Penguin is classified as "Near Threatened" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Royal Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
Royal Penguins are found in Macquarie Island (Australia). Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).