European Shag
Least ConcernPhalacrocorax aristotelis
Visual Identification
European Shag
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Lifespan
The European Shag typically lives for 12 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 30.6 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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:
PhalacrocoracidaePredators
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?
- Shags can dive to depths of up to 45 meters, staying submerged for over a minute.
- Their feathers are less waterproof than other seabirds, which is why they often spread their wings to dry.
- The scientific name 'aristotelis' was given in honour of Aristotle, who mentioned the bird in his writings.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Gulosus aristotelis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22696894A133538524.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source