Bird · GBIF taxon 2481861
Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Phalacrocorax aristotelisAlso known as European Shag, Common Shag
European Shags are slim dark cormorants with long necks, narrow hooked bills, and a greenish gloss in good light. Breeding adults develop a short forward-curving crest and dive from the surface to pursue coastal fish.
cormorantcoastal diverrocky shore
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- sand eels
- gadoid fishes
- small wrasses
Predators
- large gulls
- white-tailed eagles
- introduced mammals
ThreatsOil pollution, fishing-gear entanglement, severe storms, prey shifts, and colony disturbance
HabitatsRocky marine coasts, offshore islands, sea cliffs, bays, and nearshore waters
Life spanCommonly more than ten years, with exceptional individuals living over twenty years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
- SpeciesPhalacrocorax aristotelis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Give cliff colonies and low resting rocks a wide berth, especially during breeding.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Note the slim body, narrow bill, and small crest of breeding adults.
- Watch: Follow a low-flying bird back to rocky feeding water without approaching its colony.
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