The Auckland shag or Auckland Islands shag is a species of cormorant from New Zealand. The species is endemic to the Auckland Islands archipelago. It is a sedentary bird that primarily eats various crustaceans and fish. In recent years, roughly 1,000 pairs have been recorded. The Auckland shag is a colonial nester, building sizeable nests of, among other items, grass, twigs and seaweed. The Auckland shag lays three pale blue-green eggs in November–February. The incubation period is 26–32 days.
Region
New Zealand Subantarctic (Auckland Islands)
Typical Environment
Confined to the coasts of the Auckland Islands archipelago, where it uses rugged shorelines, sea cliffs, and offshore stacks. It forages in nearshore marine waters, especially over rocky reefs and dense kelp forests. Nest colonies are located on ledges and tussock-covered slopes above wave-washed platforms. Birds usually remain close to breeding areas year-round, only shifting locally with weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 150 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Auckland Islands shag, it is a blue-eyed shag with a striking cobalt eye-ring and pink feet. It nests colonially on sea cliffs and offshore stacks, laying pale blue‑green eggs from November to February, with both parents incubating for about 26–32 days. A powerful pursuit-diver, it forages among kelp beds and rocky reefs close to shore. The total population is small and restricted to the subantarctic Auckland Islands.
Temperament
social and colonial around breeding sites, otherwise discreet at sea
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, direct wingbeats close to the water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies on cliffs and offshore stacks, constructing large nests of seaweed, grass, and twigs. Pairs are monogamous within a season, and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing, feeding young by regurgitation. Chicks may form loose crèches near nest sites as they grow.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Usually quiet at sea, but at colonies gives low grunts, croaks, and hisses, especially during courtship and territorial interactions. Vocalizations are rough and guttural rather than melodic.
Plumage
Pied appearance with glossy black upperparts and white underparts; some birds show a darker morph with more extensive black on the underparts. The wings are mostly dark with a subtle pale panel, and breeding birds display colorful facial skin. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, typical of diving cormorants.
Diet
Primarily small fish and benthic crustaceans, including crabs and amphipods, taken during underwater pursuit dives. It also consumes marine worms and occasionally cephalopods when available. Foraging dives are typically shallow to moderately deep and often among kelp fronds where prey concentrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in sheltered bays, kelp forests, and along rocky reef edges close to the islands. It rarely ranges far offshore, favoring nearshore waters with strong tidal currents that concentrate prey.
