European Shag

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

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.

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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