Auckland shag

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size60–70 cm

Wing Span95–110 cm

Male Weight2.2 kg

Female Weight1.8 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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