Phalacrocorax punctatus
Other names - Kawau, Kawau-tikitiki, Spotted
Shag, Ocean Shag, Spottle, Blue Shag, Crested Shag, Flip-flap, Bravo
Duck.
Identification - 70 cm (27 in.). A slender
shag with black-spotted, greenish-grey upperparts, a greenish-black
head and back and a broad white stripe down the sides of the neck.
The facial skin is green and the feet are yellow. In nuptial phase
the bird sports two prominent crests on forehead and nape.
Similar species - The only mainland species
which is predominantly grey with a green face.
Range - There are two subspecies the Spotted
Shag S.p.punctatus which is locally distributed in the North
Is and the northern and eastern South Island and the Blue Shag S.p.steadi
which breeds around Stewart Island and Fiordland.
Status - Locally common.
Where to see - Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel
East Coast, Wellington Harbour, Wanganui River Mouth, Kaikoura,
West Coast and Stewart Island.
Notes - A striking bird in nuptial plumage.
Often harassed by fishermen and boat operators.
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