Scientific name:

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

About:

A large, dark waterbird, a little bit smaller than cormorant. Feeds on fish, which it catches with its long, hook-tipped bill while swimming underwater. Nests on low cliffs around the coasts. Sometimes stands with its wings held out to dry.

How to identify:

<p>Smaller than cormorant, with dark green plumage, a crest and a narrower bill with a yellow gape.</p>

Where:

Found on rocky shores all around our coasts.

Fantastic facts:

Shags can dive down to 45metres deep to catch fish from near the bottom of the sea.