Snares Penguin vs Western Rockhopper Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the Snares Penguin and Western Rockhopper Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
Snares Penguin
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Size Comparison
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
2-3.4 kg
| Feature | Snares Penguin | Western Rockhopper Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Eudyptes robustus | Eudyptes chrysocome |
| Height | 51-61 cm | 45-58 cm |
| Weight | 2.5-4 kg | 2-3.4 kg |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-30 years |
| Population | ~25,000 pairs | ~1,500,000 pairs |
| Diet | Krill, Squid, Small fish | Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans |
| Habitat | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest | Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass |
| Regions | Snares Islands (New Zealand) | Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands |
| Genus | Eudyptes | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
Snares Penguin
VulnerableWestern Rockhopper Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Height
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Western Rockhopper Penguin
45-58 cm
Weight
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Western Rockhopper Penguin
2-3.4 kg
Lifespan
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Western Rockhopper Penguin
10-30 years
Population
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Western Rockhopper Penguin
~1,500,000 pairs
Diet
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Krill, Squid, Octopus, Fish, Crustaceans
Habitat
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Rocky coastlines, Cliff faces, Tussock grass
Regions
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands
Genus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
Western Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
Snares 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 PenguinWestern Rockhopper Penguin
Among the smallest crested penguins, Western Rockhoppers navigate steep rocky terrain by hopping with both feet together. Their spiky black and yellow crest feathers and bright red eyes give them a punk-rock appearance.
Learn more about Western Rockhopper PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Snares Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Snares Penguin is larger, standing up to 61cm tall compared to the Western Rockhopper Penguin's 58cm.
Which is more endangered, Snares Penguin or Western Rockhopper Penguin?
The Snares Penguin is classified as "Vulnerable" while the Western Rockhopper Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do Snares Penguins and Western Rockhopper Penguins live in the same area?
Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand). Western Rockhopper Penguins are found in Falkland Islands, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands.