About the Bounty Shag
The Bounty shag, also known as the Bounty Island shag, is a species of cormorant of the family Phalacrocoracidae. They are found only on the tiny and remote Subantarctic Bounty Islands, 670 km (420 mi) southeast of New Zealand. Its natural habitats are open seas and rocky shores. In 2022, a full unmanned aerial vehicle survey of the Bounty archipelago found a total of 573 breeding pairs and estimates the population to consist of approximately 1,733 birds. These recent estimates are consistent with the only other comparable study from 1978 and suggest that the species' population has remained stable over the past 45 years.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Size; 71 cm (28 in). Large, black-and-white cormorant. Black head, hind neck, lower back, rump, uppertail-coverts, all with metallic blue sheen. White underparts. Pink feet. White patches on wings appear as bar when folded. Caruncles absent. Voice: Male makes call during displays only. IUCN classifies this species as Vulnerable because its very small population and breeding range renders it susceptible to stochastic events and human impacts. However, some data indicates that its population is presently stable. The Bounty Islands are a nature reserve and are free of introduced predators.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Bounty Shag lives
When to see the Bounty Shag
Peak activity in December · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Campbell ShagLeucocarbo campbelliThe Campbell Island shag is a marine bird with black and white plumage and pink feet.
Chatham ShagLeucocarbo onslowiAn adult Chatham Islands shag is 63 cm (25 in) in length and weighs around 1,790–2,400 g (63–85 oz).
Auckland ShagLeucocarbo colensoiThe Auckland shag or Auckland Islands shag is a species of cormorant from New Zealand.
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