Specie's Page                                               Shags - Large Sea Birds

European Shag:     UK Status: Resident.

Habitat: Shag, meaning tufted and refers to the small crest on adult birds. They are very similar to Cormorants, but smaller, and juvenile birds of the two species are very difficult to separate. Normally found on rocky coast lines, on rocky slopes and on outcrops of rocks near to the main land. Saying that the juvenile in the picture was seen inside Bridlington harbour, on the Yorkshire coast.

Breeding: This bird is of great concern to conservationists, its numbers are on the decline. Nests are made of twigs and seaweed, usually lined with softer vegetation such as grass. Nests are usually situated on rocky ledges and outcrops, and on rare occasions in a tree or bush. Females lay two, three or four pale blue eggs, chicks are naked when born relying on the parent birds for warmth.

Comment: Shags are mainly distributed on northerly, and westerly coastlines in the British Isles.