Campbell Island shag  (Phalacrocorax campbelli)

Description

The name shag originates from the Old Norse word ‘skegg’ meaning beard, and refers to the crests of these birds (3); accordingly, the Campbell Island shag has a short, Mohican-like crest on the top of the head. It is therefore strange that the Latin name Phalacrocorax derives from two Greek words meaning bald raven. The plumage on the head, long neck, back and wings is black, with a metallic blue sheen; the chin and underparts are white, and it has a white stripe on its folded wings. The strong, webbed feet are pink, and the base of the bill is orangey-red (4). Adults that are not breeding can be distinguished by the lack of a crest, and juveniles are brown rather than black (2). During courtship, the male can be heard making a barking noise (4).

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