S N A R E S P E N G U I N S
Snares Island Penguins nest only on Snares Island, off the southern coast of South Island, New Zealand. They are closely related to the Fiord land penguins. The Snares Penguins have a heavier, thicker bill with white skin around the base of the bill with all black cheek feathers. They have broad crests growing from the beak around to the back of the head. They are some times called the Snares-crested penguins. | 
|
| Snares Island is a marine sanctuary which permits no humans. Currently there are about 25,000 breeding pairs of Snares Island penguins on the island. This habitat offers a moderate climate with enough vegetation for nest building and roosting. These penguins are 50 to 60 cm tall and weigh from 3 to 4 kg. |
Snares Penguins make a shallow hole in the ground. They line it with twigs and small branches. Two eggs are laid but only one chick survives. The egg is kept warm by both parents for 31 to 73 days. Once the eggs hatch the male broods and cares for the chick for 3 weeks. When the chicks are 3 to 4 weeks old they form a crèche with other chicks. Both parents feed the chick daily until it molts at about 75 days. At this time it will go to sea to provide for itself. Their diet consists of krill, squid and fish. | 
|
