Like its larger relative, the Cormorant, the shag is a member of the pelican family. It spends more time on the coasts and out at sea than the Cormorant, rarely venturing inland.

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Overview

Illustration of a Common ShagOrder: Suliformes

Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Species: Phalacrocorax aristotelis

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Population Trend: decreasing

Distribution: around the coasts of Britain, mainly in the north & west. Also other European coasts, and Scandinavian coasts.

Habitat: rocky cliff ledges, sea caves, the open sea.

Description: similar to the cormorant, but smaller & more slender, with a more delicate bill. Plumage is dark, glossy green. Short crest in breeding season. Sexes are alike.

Size: 66 - 81cm.

Food: fish, mainly sand eels.

Like its larger relative, the Cormorant, the shag is a member of the pelican family. It spends more time on the coasts and out at sea than the Cormorant, rarely venturing inland.

Read More: Feeding

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