Snares penguins
The Snares crested penguin stands about 40cm and weighs around 3 kilograms. It is very similar in appearance to the Fiordland crested penguin with which it can be easily confused, particularly at sea.
The head, throat and upper parts are black and under parts are white. The sulphur-yellow crest starts at the base of the base of the bill, extends over the eye and droops down the back of the head. The bill is very robust, particularly in the male, and the prominent area of bare skin at its base helps distinguish the Snares from the Fiordland penguin.
The Snares may have some white cheek feathers, however this occurs only in a few individuals and they do not form lines as in the Fiordland penguin. Fledglings have pale chins and short crests.
Snares penguins are only found on the remote Snares Islands, situated about 100km south of Stewart Island.
The Snares Islands are the only NZ subantarctic islands never to have had introduced mammals. Their rodent and cat-free status make them very important for many seabirds.
DOC's main tasks are keeping the Snares predator-free and monitoring the population.
Report sightings of moulting crested penguins on mainland beaches as they may be at risk of starvation or dog attack.
Tree planting for attracting native birds
Birds of the sea and shore - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
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