About the Spotted Shag
The spotted shag or pārekareka is a species of cormorant endemic to New Zealand. Though originally classified as Phalacrocorax punctatus, it is sufficiently different in appearance from typical members of that genus that for a time it was placed in a separate genus, Stictocarbo, along with a similar species, the Pitt shag. Subsequent genetic studies show that the spotted shag's lineage is nested within the typical shags.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The spotted shag is a medium-sized marine bird. They are usually between 64 and 74 centimetres (25 and 29 in) high and weigh between 700 and 1,200 grams (25 and 42 oz). Their bodies are very slim and they have a very distinctive black, decurved, double crest growing on their nape and their forehead. They have a long, slender, orange-brown coloured, hooked bill and yellow-orange feet. The feathers on their bodies are grey and blue. The adults have small black spots on their backs and wings, which gave them their name. Their irises are brown, while the ring around the iris is blue.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Spotted Shag lives
When to see the Spotted Shag
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black-faced CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscescensLike other cormorant species, the black-faced cormorant is a large aquatic bird, with a long hooked bill, webbed feet, and monochromatic plumage.
Japanese CormorantPhalacrocorax capillatusThe Japanese cormorant, also known as Temminck's cormorant, is a species of cormorant native to coastal areas of the east Palearctic.
Bank CormorantPhalacrocorax neglectusThe bank cormorant is a heavy-bodied bird, roughly 75 cm in length.
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