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Chatham and Pitt Island shags |
| Despite their names, both the Chatham Island shag and the Pitt
Island shag are found around both islands. The Chatham Island shag is a
large black-and-white shag, closely related to the Stewart Island and
King shags of the New Zealand mainland. During the breeding season the
orange patches above and below the bill are at their most prominent and
contrast with the blue eye-ring.
The Pitt Island shag is more slender that the Chatham Island
shag. It is light grey underneath and has a lime-green face. The upper
side of the wings are spotted like those of the closey related mainland
species, the spotted shag.
Both species of shag are thought to
be in decline, but the nature and cause of decline are hard to
establish. Both species nest and roost on rocky headlands and islets
and are difficult to view without causing some disturbance. Please take
care approaching roosts and nesting sites, and back off if the birds
show signs of flight or nervousness. Good views can often be gained
from boats as the birds will often overfly boats near the shore. Both
species can often be seen from the Waitangi wharf.
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Chatham shag
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