The Shag
Shag Phalacrocorax anstotelis L 70, W 100. Breeds in colonies on rocky coasts. Habits much as Cormorant but at home also in rough sea and avoids fresh water, rests on cliffs, only rarely perches on piles, buoys etc. Adult all-black, glossed green, with bright yellow gape; in early spring also a recurved tuft on forecrown. In winter Cormorant is similar (almost all-black too) but Shag has slimmer neck, smaller and rounder head with steeper forehead, narrower bill (note that occasional immature Cormorants have confusingly slender bill). Juveniles rather uniform brown below (juv. Cormorant: belly usually whitish) with well marked whitish chin, but those of race desmarestii (Mediterranean and Black Sea) are extensively whitish below. Wing-coverts of juveniles and particularly of second-year birds are edged pale, giving large pale wing panel in flight (Cormorant: uniformly dark wings). Otherwise similar to Cormorant in flight; smaller size not obvious (and size of Cormorant varies a great deal), but wingbeats noticeably faster, slimmer neck stretched out (not slightly retracted and crooked), smaller head reaching upwards, belly bulging, all giving a somewhat tail-heavy look. Shag usually flies close to the water (Cormorant frequently higher up). R
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
