Story: Shags

Chatham Island shag with chicks

Chatham Island shag with chicks

This adult Chatham Island shag is about to feed one of its chicks by regurgitation. A second chick waits expectantly. During breeding this shag has distinctive orange caruncles in front of the eye and a red throat pouch. Because of its elegance and attractive, metallic sheen, ornithologist Sir Walter Buller wanted to name this species the imperial shag.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10038076
Photograph by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Shags - Pink-footed shags', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5411/chatham-island-shag-with-chicks (accessed 29 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 11 Jul 2016