The Kerguelen shag is a species of cormorant endemic to the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, one of the most isolated places on Earth. Many authorities consider it a subspecies of the imperial shag.
Region
Southern Indian Ocean (Subantarctic Kerguelen Plateau)
Typical Environment
Occurs along rocky coasts, fjords, and offshore islets of the Kerguelen archipelago. It nests in dense colonies on cliffs and low headlands, often building mounded nests of seaweed and guano. Foraging takes place close to shore over kelp beds and shallow shelf waters, though birds can range several kilometers from colonies. The species is largely sedentary, tied to local waters year‑round due to its specialized feeding strategy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kerguelen shag is a blue‑eyed shag restricted to the remote Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Many authorities have treated it as part of the imperial shag complex, but it is often recognized as a distinct species. It is a powerful pursuit diver that forages in cold, kelp-rich coastal waters and shows striking blue orbital skin and orange facial caruncles in the breeding season.
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats low over the water
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense cliffside or shoreline colonies, often reusing and enlarging guano-and-seaweed nests. Generally monogamous with strong site fidelity. Pairs engage in mutual displays, including head-shaking and bill-pointing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Mostly quiet at sea, but at colonies emits guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses. Vocalizations are used in pair bonding and territorial interactions at the nest.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts with clean white underparts and flanks; plumage dense and sleek, adapted for diving. In breeding, facial skin shows swollen, warty caruncles.
Diet
Feeds mainly on benthic and demersal fishes, along with crustaceans and polychaete worms. It is a pursuit diver, propelling itself underwater with its feet and capturing prey on or near the seabed. Dives commonly reach moderate depths and are repeated in series while foraging over kelp beds and rocky substrates.
Preferred Environment
Shallow coastal waters, kelp forests, and nearshore shelves around the Kerguelen Islands. Often forages in small groups near colony sites where currents concentrate prey.
