European Shag vs Chatham Islands Shag

Gulosus aristotelis compared with Leucocarbo onslowi

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute European Shag Chatham Islands Shag
Scientific Name Gulosus aristotelis Leucocarbo onslowi
Order Suliformes Suliformes
Family Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocoracidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Critically Endangered
Length
Wingspan 52.5 cm (20.7 in) 51.8 cm (20.4 in)
Weight 1777.25 g (62.69 oz) 2095.0 g (73.90 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-6 3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

European Shag only

None

Chatham Islands Shag only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

European Shag

Critically Endangered

Chatham 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.

Chatham Islands Shag

63 cm. Black and white; orange-red caruncles at bill base. Endemic to Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Critically Endangered; total population fewer than 1,000 birds. Restricted to a few Chatham Islands colonies; feeds on fish and invertebrates in surrounding coastal waters.

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