Black shag (cormorant)

This large black bird is found world wide with various sub species. it is part of the species that is trained in Asia in countries such as China to catch fish for fishermen. It eats fish which it catches in sea, river, and estuary. it also eats crustaceans and small animal life.

It is reasonably common with about 5-10,000 breeding pairs thought to be in NZ. Sadly they are not completely protected even though research has shown they have little impact on game fish.

They are thought to live for up to 20years. They nest largely in trees, or on rocky ledges and have about 2-5 chicks.