European Shag

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Least Concern
With its close relative the cormorant, this coastal seabird bears a strong resemblance to dinosaurs and is often observed at rocky ocean-facing spots standing with its wings outstretched in a pose not unlike that of a prehistoric predator.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Shag is a sleek, medium-sized seabird with predominantly black plumage that shows a distinctive green sheen in sunlight. It has a long grey, hooked bill, a slender neck, and a small head with a steep forehead.

Non-breeding plumage is far less glossy, with a duller black-brown all-over appearance and some white feathering on the throat. The lower bill becomes a brighter yellow, while the legs turn a fleshy-brown shade.

During the breeding season, adults develop a prominent crest on the forehead. Juveniles are browner and lack the green gloss of adults. The bare skin around the bill is yellow, contrasting with its dark plumage.

There are no differences in plumage between males and females, although males are usually marginally larger and heavier. Females also have a slimmer bill than males.

Size

Length

65cm to 80cm

Wingspan

90cm to 105cm

Weight

1.5kg to 2.3kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black Green

Secondary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Yellow Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The European Shag is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The European Shag is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The European Shag is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The European Shag can be found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The European Shag is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The European Shag is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The European Shag is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The European Shag is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The European Shag is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The European Shag is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The European Shag is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The European Shag is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Shags inhabit rocky coastlines and offshore islands across Europe, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They are particularly common along the coasts of the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia.

While some populations are resident, others undertake short-distance migrations. In the UK, Shags can be observed year-round, with some birds dispersing to different coastal areas outside the breeding season.

The largest colonies of shags are found in northern and western Scotland, on the Orkney, Shetland, and Inner Hebrides islands, and along the Firth of Forth. Shags are also common along the coast of Wales and south-western England, particularly Devon and Cornwall.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 100 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Shag. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year
Algeria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Gibraltar Greece Iceland Ireland Italy Libya Macedonia Morocco Norway Portugal Spain The United Kingdom Tunisia Turkey Ukraine
Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Albania Russia
Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season
Germany Netherlands Slovenia
Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range
Austria Bosnia and Herzegovina Czech Republic Denmark Finland Iraq Kazakhstan Liechtenstein Malta Montenegro Poland Romania Serbia Sweden Switzerland Syria

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Shag demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in its aquatic environment. Its ability to dive from the surface, pursue prey underwater, and navigate rocky coastal habitats showcases its nimble nature. The bird's sleek body shape and adept swimming skills contribute to its high agility rating.

Strength 70

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong for its size, the Shag possesses considerable strength to dive up to 45 metres deep and propel itself underwater using its webbed feet. Its ability to carry nesting materials and defend territory also indicates a good level of strength for a medium-sized seabird.

Adaptability 75

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Shags show good adaptability in their feeding habits, diving to various depths for different prey species. Their ability to thrive in both resident and migratory populations demonstrates adaptability to changing conditions. However, their specific habitat requirements and vulnerability to environmental changes slightly limit this score.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Shags are not particularly aggressive birds, generally being less social than other cormorant species. However, they do exhibit some aggression during territorial disputes and in defence of their nesting sites, particularly during the breeding season. This moderate level of aggression is typical for seabirds protecting their breeding territories.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Shag's endurance is impressive, particularly in its diving abilities. Staying submerged for over a minute and diving repeatedly to depths of up to 45 metres requires significant stamina. Their ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions and undertake short-distance migrations also demonstrates good endurance for a bird of its size.

Diet

Shags primarily feed on small fish such as sand eels, herring, wrasse, blenny, garfish, gobies, and flatfish. Occasionally, molluscs and crustaceans may also be eaten.

They are skilled divers, plunging from the surface and pursuing prey underwater using their webbed feet. Shags may dive to depths of up to 45 meters in search of food.

Behaviour

Shags are excellent swimmers and divers, often seen perched on rocks with wings spread to dry. They dive from the surface to hunt fish, using their feet for propulsion underwater.

Shags are generally less social than other cormorant species, often foraging alone or in small groups.

Vocalisation

Shags are generally quiet away from breeding colonies. At nesting sites, they produce a variety of harsh, guttural sounds. The most common call is a loud, grating 'krraa-krraa-krraa', often heard during territorial disputes or courtship displays.

Male shags utter a low-pitched croak when around other birds. Pig-like grunts are also heard during the breeding season. Females, however, are mostly silent but may hiss if disturbed at the nest. This is a relatively helpful method of distinguishing between males and females.

Nesting & Breeding

Shags typically breed in colonies on coastal cliffs or rocky islands. Pair formation begins in late winter, with breeding occurring from March to July in most regions. It’s common for a shag pair to reuse an old nest in future breeding seasons.

Nests are built on narrow ledges or in crevices constructed from seaweed, grass, and other plant material. Females lay 2-4 pale blue eggs with a chalky coating.

Both parents incubate the eggs for about 30 days. Chicks fledge after 50-55 days but may continue to be fed by parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While currently listed as Least Concern globally, Shag populations face threats from oil spills, fishing net entanglement, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.

Local conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and reducing marine pollution.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

230,000 - 240,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Shags on rocky coastlines, especially near cliffs
  • Observe their distinctive wing-drying posture after diving
  • Listen for their harsh, guttural calls near breeding colonies
  • In the UK, watch for them diving in coastal waters year-round

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Common Shag

Family:

Phalacrocoracidae

Average Lifespan

12 years

Max Lifespan

30.6 years [4]

Predators

Adult Shags have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to gulls, ravens, and introduced mammals such as rats on breeding islands.

Did You Know?

  1. Shags can dive to depths of up to 45 meters, staying submerged for over a minute.
  2. Their feathers are less waterproof than other seabirds, which is why they often spread their wings to dry.
  3. The scientific name 'aristotelis' was given in honour of Aristotle, who mentioned the bird in his writings.

References

  1. 1

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gulosus aristotelis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22696894A133538524.

    View source
  2. 2 3

    report, 2015: Wetlands International

  3. 4

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source

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