Shag
(Phalacrocorax aristotelis)
Shags
are maller than cormorants and with more greenish colour.
It is much more of a coastal bird than the cormorant and
rarely seen inland. Both male and female have an upturned
crest during the early breeding season and look almost identical.
The male however is the only one to make clicking and grunting
noises at the colony.
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The
Farne Islands, a mile or two off the Northumberland coast
is a wonderful place to see a wide range of sea birds and
seals and in the breeding season permits close viewing.
Ref:
Shag1A
14th April 2006
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Farne
Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1B
14th April 2006
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Farne
Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1C
14th April 2006
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Farne
Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1D
14th April 2006
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The
Shag has a primaeval, almost reptilian look with its bright
green eye and glossy and scale-like plumage. Farne Islands,
Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1E
14th April 2006
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Farne
Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1F
14th April 2006
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The green-black
scaled plumage provides excellent camourflage on rocks. Farne
Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag1
17th August 2005
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By
August, though still with young, the crest has all but gone
and the yellow throat and gape is faded. Farne Islands, Northumberland,
UK.
Ref:
Shag2
17th August 2005
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The
Shag breeds in colonies on coastal cliffs and rock ledges.
As can be seen, the juveniles are fluffy and brown before
the adult feathers grow. Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK.
Ref:
Shag3
17th August 2005
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