Snares Crested Penguin

Eudyptes robustus is a crested penguin endemic to the Snares Islands. It differs from Fiordland crested penguin through its island-only range, broader crest and more extensive bare pink skin at the bill base. Adults are black above and white below with heavy yellow eyebrow plumes and a thick orange bill. The eyes are red, and the feet are pink.

It breeds only on the Snares Islands, using forest, tussock edges and rocky coasts. At sea it ranges through waters south and east of New Zealand. It dives for krill, fish and squid. Dense colonies form along established pathways between forest nests and landing rocks.

The New Zealand classification is Naturally Uncommon. Snares expedition cruises can view birds from Zodiacs offshore because landings are prohibited.