European Shag vs Macquarie Shag
Gulosus aristotelis compared with Leucocarbo purpurascens
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Shag | Macquarie Shag |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gulosus aristotelis | Leucocarbo purpurascens |
| Order | Suliformes | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.5 cm (20.7 in) | — |
| Weight | 1777.25 g (62.69 oz) | 2788.3333333333335 g (98.36 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-6 | 1-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
European Shag
Not Evaluated
Macquarie 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.
Macquarie Shag
63–75 cm. Black with purple-green gloss; white underparts; orange-yellow caruncles. Endemic to Macquarie Island (Australian subantarctic). Vulnerable; total population only a few thousand birds. Feeds on fish in cold sub-Antarctic waters; nests colonially on coastal cliffs.