European Shag vs Little Black Cormorant
Gulosus aristotelis compared with Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Shag | Little Black Cormorant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gulosus aristotelis | Phalacrocorax sulcirostris |
| Order | Suliformes | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.5 cm (20.7 in) | 49.8 cm (19.6 in) |
| Weight | 1777.25 g (62.69 oz) | 971.6666666666666 g (34.27 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-6 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
European Shag
Least Concern
Little Black Cormorant
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.
Little Black Cormorant
55–65 cm. All-black; glossy green-blue; bare black facial skin. Widespread across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia in freshwater and marine environments. Highly gregarious; nests colonially in trees. Feeds on fish by pursuit-diving; often seen drying wings on posts.