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The Sub-Antarctic Snares group of islands lies around 200km south of mainland New Zealand's South Island. These remote islands are a designated marine sanctuary and about as far off the beaten track as you can get. But, surrounded by the nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean and blessed with a moderate climate, they're a prime stop on the itinerary of bird holidays to Australia and New Zealand. In fact, they are blessed with one of the densest concentrations of seabirds on the planet. An Abundance of Avian Life Throughout the chain of islands, which cover an area of around 340 ha, the pristine environment harbours an astounding array of avian species, including several million that arrive for the summer breeding season. Along with Southern Giant Petrel, Light-mantled Sooty, Broad-billed Prion, Shy, Bulwer's, Black-browed and Magnificent Wandering Albatross, Salvin’s Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, Broad-billed Prion and Antarctic Tern, endemic species include the Snares Tomtit, Snipe and Fernbird. But the best-known endemic resident is the Snares Islands Penguin (aka the Snares Crested). There are around 30,000 breeding pairs on the island colony and a sighting of these cute characters is quite often the highlight of bird holidays to the islands. The Endemic Snares Islands Penguin Eudyptes robustus is a medium sized species, standing approximately 50-70cm tall and weighing in at, on average, 3.3kg for males and 2.8kg for females when fully grown. The size of their island habitat means they have the most restricted breeding range of all the species of penguins. Appearance: They share the iconic colouring of other species, with a black head and flippers and white chest and bear a very strong resemblance to the Fjordland Penguin (the Fjordland breeding sites are around 100km north), with a few marked differences. Their bright yellow crest includes some drooping plumes, and the striking yellow facial stripe runs from the base of the bill right up along the face to the back of the head. Behaviour: Their vocal range is quite diverse – from loud trumpeting calls to hisses and whistling noises. They build nests under cover of the forests in the shape of a raised cup made from mud, grass, pebbles, wood and leaves and tend to nest in large groups. New sites are needed each season as the vegetation is destroyed due to the activity. Breeding: Couples tend to mate and remain together for multiple seasons, starting to breed at around five years of age. The females lay two eggs a few days apart and the incubation period is between 30-37 days. (In Eudyptes the second egg is larger and hatches first.) The second born chick does not usually survive. Diet: Not too much is known about their diet, with only a small number of studies to produce data. From the results of that research, it's been determined that they dine on a mixture of small fish, cephalopods and mostly euphausiids (krill and other small crustaceans). Conservation status: They are currently listed as "vulnerable" due to their extremely limited breeding range. Bird Holidays to the Sub-Antarctic Regions of Australia and New Zealand As these beautiful islands are a protected Marine Reserve, the best way to encounter the magnificent avian life is on professional bird holidays led by expert, knowledgeable naturalists and ornithologists. Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer with a special interest in bird watching. As a passionate lover of birds, Marissa chooses the expert-led bird holidays organised by Naturetrek, which have brought her unforgettable sightings of a wide range of wildlife in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.
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