The Heard Island Shag is a distinctive cormorant endemic to Heard Island and McDonald Islands in the Southern Indian Ocean. It is a member of the Imperial Shag complex, showcasing its black and white plumage typical of the group.
Where to spot
Endemic to Heard Island and McDonald Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Forages in the cold waters immediately surrounding these islands.
How to spot
Observation is extremely challenging and generally restricted to scientific expeditions to these remote, often ice-bound islands. Look for its black upperparts and white underparts, along with its specific geographic location for identification.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round within its extremely restricted range. Breeding typically occurs during the austral summer months.
Where to spot
Endemic to Heard Island and McDonald Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. Forages in the cold waters immediately surrounding these islands.
How to spot
Observation is extremely challenging and generally restricted to scientific expeditions to these remote, often ice-bound islands. Look for its black upperparts and white underparts, along with its specific geographic location for identification.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round within its extremely restricted range. Breeding typically occurs during the austral summer months.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This species nests on isolated Heard Island, a subantarctic volcanic island that is largely covered by glaciers.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.