European Shag vs Red-legged Cormorant
Gulosus aristotelis compared with Poikilocarbo gaimardi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | European Shag | Red-legged Cormorant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gulosus aristotelis | Poikilocarbo gaimardi |
| Order | Suliformes | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 52.5 cm (20.7 in) | 49.3 cm (19.4 in) |
| Weight | 1777.25 g (62.69 oz) | 1416.6666666666667 g (49.97 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-6 | 3-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
European Shag
Near Threatened
Red-legged 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.
Red-legged Cormorant
71–76 cm. Slender; grey body; red legs; spotted white scapulars; red facial skin; yellow bill. Coastal endemic of western South America (Peru, Chile). Near Threatened; restricted to rocky coasts with Humboldt Current upwelling. Feeds on fish by diving in cold, productive inshore waters.