Physical Description:
               The Snares Island penguin has a yellow, bushy crest.  The skin around the beak is light. They are about 22 inches tall and weigh about 7 pounds.

Habitat:
               Snares Island penguins live on Snares Island and the surrounding islands.  They stay at sea half of the year.  Then they come together in very big rookeries.  There are millions of Snares Island penguins in just one rookery.  There is much fighting in the crowded rookeries. 

Nests, eggs, and chicks:
               Snares Island penguins build nests on very high, rocky hills.  They also build nests in forests.  Nests are built from pebbles or twigs.  The penguins may spend a whole month fighting and nest building, before laying eggs.  Snares Island penguins lay 2 eggs.  Only one egg will hatch into a chick.  Males and females take turns incubating the egg and eating.  When the chick hatches, the male does not eat.  His job is to protect the chick from the cold and enemies.  The females bring food to the chicks, but not to the males.  When the chicks leave their nests and form crèches, both of the parents gather food.  At 10 weeks old the chicks are ready to be on their own and go to sea for food.

Diet:
               Snares Island penguins eat fish, squid and krill.

Enemies:
               Sea lions and leopard seals are enemies of the Snares Island penguins.  Skuas eat eggs and chicks too. 

Interesting facts:
               The penguins who are too young to have chicks, hang around and get in the way at the rookery.  They are called "hoodlums."  Snares Island penguins will attack humans who get too close.  The female and male stay together for their whole life.