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Overview
Campbell shag

Campbell shag

Wikipedia

The Campbell shag, also known as the Campbell Island shag, is a species of bird in the family Phalacrocoracidae. It is endemic to Campbell Island. Its natural habitats are open seas and rocky shores. It is a medium-sized bird, around 63 cm in length, with a wingspan of 105 cm, weighing between 1.6 – 2 kg. They only breed on Campbell Island and forage within 10 km of the island. Its unique, looped head and elongated beak allow to easily feed on shellfish and marine invertebrates. This is done through foraging dive cycles of high speed and efficiency.

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Distribution

Region

Subantarctic New Zealand

Typical Environment

Found exclusively around Campbell Island and nearby islets, using rocky headlands, sea stacks, and cliff ledges for nesting. It frequents kelp forests and the shallow subtidal zone, typically foraging over nearshore benthic habitats. Birds remain close to the colony and rarely venture far offshore, favoring leeward coasts in rough weather. Nesting sites are exposed but near reliable feeding grounds, reducing commuting distances.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size60–65 cm
Wing Span100–110 cm
Male Weight2 kg
Female Weight1.6 kg
Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This shag breeds only on remote Campbell Island in New Zealand’s subantarctic. In the breeding season it shows a distinctive double crest, bright blue orbital skin, and an orange-yellow caruncle at the bill base. It forages close to shore, usually within about 10 km of the colony, diving efficiently to the seafloor for prey. Its restricted range makes it sensitive to marine disturbances and climatic shifts.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and colonial

Flight Pattern

direct low flight over water with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Breeds in dense colonies on cliffs and rocky ledges, forming monogamous pairs for the season. Nests are built from seaweed and vegetation cemented with guano. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Outside breeding, small groups loaf and roost together on coastal rocks.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Generally quiet at sea but vocal at colonies, producing guttural croaks, hisses, and grunts during displays. Calls intensify during pair bonding and territory defense at the nest.

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