Heard Island shag

The Heard Island shag, or Heard Island cormorant, is a marine cormorant native to the Australian territory comprising the Heard and McDonald Islands in the Southern Ocean, which is about 4,100 km south-west of Perth, Western Australia.

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Distribution

Region

Subantarctic Indian Ocean

Typical Environment

This species is confined to coastal waters and shorelines around Heard Island and McDonald Islands. It frequents rocky coasts, kelp beds, and nearshore shelf waters where upwelling and currents concentrate prey. Breeding occurs on sea cliffs, rock stacks, and slopes with access to the ocean. Birds typically forage within a short radius of colonies and seldom disperse far from the archipelago.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 150 m

Climate Zone

Polar

Characteristics

Size65–75 cm

Wing Span110–120 cm

Male Weight3 kg

Female Weight2.5 kg

Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Heard Island shag, also called the Heard Island cormorant, is a blue‑eyed shag restricted to the remote Australian territory of Heard and McDonald Islands in the Southern Ocean. It breeds in small cliff‑side colonies and forages close to shore, diving for fish and invertebrates in frigid subantarctic waters. Its isolation offers some protection from predators, but its tiny range makes it vulnerable to environmental change and severe weather.

Behaviour

Temperament

colonial and alert

Flight Pattern

strong flier with rapid wingbeats, usually low over the water

Social Behavior

Breeds in small to medium colonies on cliffs and rocky ledges, constructing nests of seaweed, grass, and guano. Pairs are likely monogamous within a season, with both sexes incubating and feeding chicks. Adults return to favored colony sites annually when conditions allow.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies emits low guttural croaks, grunts, and hisses. Vocalizations are most frequent during pair bonding, nest defense, and chick provisioning.

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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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