New Zealand King Shag
NameNew Zealand King Shag
Common NameNew Zealand King Shag
Scientific NameLeucocarbo carunculatus
FamilyPhalacrocoracidae
Wingspan (cm)105
Length (cm)76
Weight (g)2750
Plumage DetailsGlossy black plumage on the head, neck, back, and upperwings, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. Distinctive white patches are present on the scapulars (sides of the back) and sometimes on the thighs. During breeding, they develop a prominent blue eye-ring and bright yellow-orange caruncles (fleshy growths) on the face, particularly above the bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At colonies, males produce guttural grunts, growls, and hisses, while females are mostly silent or make soft hissing sounds.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Marlborough Sounds region of the South Island, New Zealand, primarily breeding on small islands and rocky islets within the sounds.
Identifying Featureslarge black and white plumage, blue eye-ring (breeding), yellow-orange facial caruncles (breeding), white wing patches, restricted range in Marlborough Sounds
Description
A large, striking black and white shag endemic to New Zealand. These marine birds are often seen in pairs or colonies, nesting on rocky coastal cliffs and diving for fish.
