European Shag vs Auckland Islands Shag

Gulosus aristotelis compared with Leucocarbo colensoi

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute European Shag Auckland Islands Shag
Scientific Name Gulosus aristotelis Leucocarbo colensoi
Order Suliformes Suliformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocoracidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Vulnerable
Length — —
Wingspan 52.5 cm (20.7 in) 54.7 cm (21.5 in)
Weight 1777.25 g (62.69 oz) 2000.0 g (70.55 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-6 3
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

European Shag only

None

Auckland Islands Shag only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

European Shag

Vulnerable

Auckland Islands Shag

About These Birds

European Shag

68–78 cm, wingspan 95–110 cm. All-black with glossy green; short erect crest in breeding; yellow gape. Strictly marine; breeds on rocky coasts of western Europe and Mediterranean. Feeds on fish by diving in clear coastal waters. Vulnerable; threatened by oil spills and overfishing.

Auckland Islands Shag

63 cm. Black and white; orange caruncles. Endemic to Auckland Islands, New Zealand subantarctic. Vulnerable; total population estimated at only a few thousand. Feeds on fish and invertebrates in surrounding cold ocean waters. Non-migratory; restricted to the island group.

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