European Shag

The Shag is a sleek, medium-sized seabird with predominantly black plumage that shows a distinctive green sheen in sunlight. It has a long grey, hooked bill, a slender neck, and a small head with a steep forehead.

Non-breeding plumage is far less glossy, with a duller black-brown all-over appearance and some white feathering on the throat. The lower bill becomes a brighter yellow, while the legs turn a fleshy-brown shade.

During the breeding season, adults develop a prominent crest on the forehead. Juveniles are browner and lack the green gloss of adults. The bare skin around the bill is yellow, contrasting with its dark plumage.

There are no differences in plumage between males and females, although males are usually marginally larger and heavier. Females also have a slimmer bill than males.

Shags inhabit rocky coastlines and offshore islands across Europe, from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They are particularly common along the coasts of the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia.

While some populations are resident, others undertake short-distance migrations. In the UK, Shags can be observed year-round, with some birds dispersing to different coastal areas outside the breeding season.

The largest colonies of shags are found in northern and western Scotland, on the Orkney, Shetland, and Inner Hebrides islands, and along the Firth of Forth. Shags are also common along the coast of Wales and south-western England, particularly Devon and Cornwall.