Common Shag

"Phalacrocorax aristotelis"

Very similar to the cormorant this slightly smaller bird has a prominent crest on their head.

They are dark with long necks and a yellow throat patch.

They are a Red List Species.

Seen mostly around the coast they eat fish crustaceans and molluscs and dives for its prey often leaps as it dives.

They are approximately 65 to 80cm in length.

They have a wingspan of 90 to 105cm

They weigh in at 1.75 to 2.2kg.

There are around 27,000 breeding pairs in the uk

They nest on steep cliffs

Common Shag