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European Shag

Gulosus aristotelis

The European Shag is a sleek, dark bird that loves to dive into the water to catch fish. With its long neck and sharp beak, it is a great swimmer and can often be seen drying its wings on rocks after a swim.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The European Shag has glossy green-black plumage and a distinctive crest of feathers on its head during breeding season. Its face features a yellow patch at the base of its slender, hooked bill, differentiating it from other dark seabirds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderSuliformesFamilyPhalacrocoracidaeGenusPhalacrocorax
European Shag
feathered trait badgewebbed_feet trait badgesocial trait badgepiscivorous trait badge
European Shag

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

After diving, shags often perch with wings spread wide, looking like black crucifixes.

Shags swallow their fish headfirst to prevent scales and fins from getting stuck!

They build nests with seaweed, twigs, and even human rubbish like plastic.

Young shags make a unique croaking sound, very different from adult calls.

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Propulsion

European Shag has strong, webbed feet positioned at its rear, allowing them to power through water like torpedoes to chase fish.

Ability

Fish Gripper

European Shag has a strong, hooked bill perfect for grasping slippery fish, ensuring its catches don't escape underwater.

Ability

Buoyancy Adjuster

European Shag can squeeze air from its feathers and lungs, letting them control how deep they sink while hunting prey.

Measurements & details

Length
65-80 cm
Wingspan
90-110 cm
Weight
1.5-2.2 kg
Lifespan
10-15 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
28-31 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds are expert underwater hunters, mainly eating small fish and some marine invertebrates.

Primary Foods

  • Ammodytes marinus
  • Sprattus sprattus
  • Trisopterus minutus
  • Pleuronectes platessa
  • Gobius paganellus

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Sandeel

Ammodytes marinus

A primary food source for shags.

hunts

Sprat

Sprattus sprattus

An important small fish prey species.

eaten by

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinus

Preys on shag eggs and chicks.

Traits

Also known as

Shag

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is European Shag?

65-80 cm

What is European Shag's wingspan?

90-110 cm

How much does European Shag weigh?

1.5-2.2 kg

How long does European Shag live?

10-15 years

How fast can European Shag move?

70 km/h

What does European Shag eat?

These birds are expert underwater hunters, mainly eating small fish and some marine invertebrates.

Where is European Shag usually found?

Coastal areas

How does European Shag hunt?

Pursuit

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