Pied shag: where and when to see them

The pied shag is a large black-and-white cormorant native to Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand it is a familiar coastal bird in suitable northern and central areas, often seen standing upright on rocks, wharf structures or branches. White underparts contrast sharply with a black back and wings. Its substantial pale bill and colorful bare facial skin become useful identification features when viewed through binoculars.

Size

65–85 cm body length

Weight

1.3–2.2 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Pied shags pursue fish below the surface but are easily watched while resting, commuting or tending colonies from land. Birds often spread their wings after feeding and may share prominent roosts with other coastal species. They construct bulky stick nests in trees or shrubs, sometimes close to busy shorelines. Adults carry food back to their young, which reach into the parent's mouth to receive a meal. Pied shags are highly social, frequently nesting in large, sometimes mixed-species colonies. They often forage in small groups, coordinating dives to herd fish, though solitary hunting is also common. Parents feed their young by regurgitating food directly into the chicks' throats.

• In New Zealand, the species is also known as kāruhiruhi.
• Its nests are built from sticks, often in coastal trees.
• Both parents participate in raising the young.
• The species occurs naturally in both Australia and New Zealand.

Pied shags can be observed year-round within their regular New Zealand range. Spring and summer provide longer daylight for coastal watching and may include conspicuous colony activity. Breeding schedules vary locally, so visible nests should not be used to infer a nationwide nesting calendar. Breeding activities can extend over several months, with peak nesting often occurring from late winter through spring, though timing varies regionally. Observing colonies during these months offers chances to witness chick rearing and feeding behaviors. Non-breeding individuals are present year-round in suitable habitats.

Sheltered coasts, estuaries, harbors and bays are important habitats, with some birds also using lakes and rivers. Nesting colonies need suitable trees, shrubs or other elevated supports near feeding areas. Distribution within New Zealand is uneven, so local identification and occurrence checks are worthwhile. Pied shags commonly utilize both natural shorelines and human altered structures like wharves and jetties for roosting and nesting. While widespread in coastal areas, their distribution can be patchy, often tied to the availability of safe nesting sites and abundant food sources. They are particularly fond of sheltered coastal waters.

Fish dominate the diet, supplemented by crustaceans and other aquatic prey. Birds forage in coastal and estuarine waters and may exploit freshwater feeding grounds. The particular fish taken depend on local habitats, prey availability and the depths the birds can efficiently search. They employ pursuit-diving to catch prey, typically consuming small to medium-sized fish. Their diet also includes a variety of marine invertebrates such as crabs and prawns, reflecting opportunistic feeding patterns. Specific prey items can differ significantly between northern and southern New Zealand populations.

Common name

Pied shag

Scientific name

Phalacrocorax varius

Animal group

Birds

Size

65–85 cm body length

Weight

1.3–2.2 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Compared with little pied shags, pied shags are much larger, with a longer pale bill and conspicuous yellow-orange facial skin near the eye. The adult plumage is distinctly black above and white below, with a clear demarcation line, unlike the more mottled appearance of some other shag species. Juveniles are duller and browner overall, gradually acquiring adult plumage over their first year. A key field mark is their relatively long tail, often held slightly raised when swimming.