StatusNative
RarityCommon
Height84 cm
Weight2200 g
Bird Gallery
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Did You Know?
3 Facts1
"Black shags can dive up to 10 meters deep and stay underwater for nearly a minute!"
Field Guide
Great Shag
5 sections
The great cormorant, known as the black shag or kawau in New Zealand, is a striking native bird found throughout Aotearoa. About the size of a small goose, this sleek water bird cuts an impressive figure with its long neck and hooked bill. Its presence along our coasts and inland waterways adds a touch of prehistoric elegance to New Zealand's birdlife.
Distribution Map
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Diet
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