Colony of Snares crested penguins (Eudyptes robustus), Snares Islands

February 7, 2012

Private Collection

Photograph

The Snares Islands lie about 200 kilometres south of mainland New Zealand and they have their own endemic penguin – the Snares crested (Eudyptes robustus). These flightless aquatic birds breed only on the Snares in the summer months, from September to January. The female lays two eggs, the second always considerably bigger than the first, and usually only one chick survives to fledge. In this photograph, taken by Dr Trudi Webster, are individuals at various stages of moulting.