Shag (Phalacrocorax Aristotelis) Bird Information
Shag is a smaller version of Cormorant, though essentially marine along predominantly rocky coasts. Shag bird swims, dives and hangs out wings like Cormorant but seldom flies very high. Adult glossy green-black, with short tufted crest in summer. Bill black with yellow gape. Immature brownish with black scaling to feathers; underparts buffy, chin paler.
Status: Shag bird is widespread in north and west, scarce where it does not breed.
Similar Species: separated from Cormorant at all times by smaller size, steeper forehead, smaller, thinner bill and thinner neck.
Shag Bird Facts
Type |
goose-like |
Size |
72 – 80 cm (28 – 31 in) |
Habitat |
sea, sea-cliffs |
Behavior |
swims, dives, perches on rocks and buoys, takes off and lands on water and ground. |
Flocking |
colonial; 1-several thousand |
Flight |
labored; glides; direct |
Voice |
grunts and hisses at breeding grounds |
Bird Identification
Crown |
green-black; crest |
Upperparts |
green-black |
Rump |
green-black |
Tail |
green-black; medium length and rounded |
Throat and Breast |
green-black |
Belly |
green-black |
Bill |
black with yellow gape; straight and thinnish |
Legs |
grey; short |
Ad.winter |
no crest, dark face |
Juvenile |
brown above, buff below |
Shag Bird’s Breeding
Nest |
mount of seaweed on the cliff |
Eggs |
3; pale blue |
Incubation |
30 days |
Young |
helpless; naked |
Fledging |
55 days |
Broods |
1; March-April |
Food |
fish |
Population |
32,000 pairs; 100,000+ winter |