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.
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 cr che with other chicks.