Auckland Shag

Taxobox
name = Auckland Shag

---

image_width = 230px
status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Pelecaniformes
familia = Phalacrocoracidae
genus = "Phalacrocorax"
species = "P. colensoi"
binomial = "Phalacrocorax colensoi"
binomial_authority = Buller, 1888

The Auckland Shag ("Phalacrocorax colensoi") is a species of cormorant from New Zealand. The species is endemic to the Auckland Islands archipelago. It is a sedentary bird that primarily eats various crustaceans and fish. In recent years, roughly 1,000 pairs have been recorded. The Auckland Shag is a colonial nester, building sizeable nests of, among other items, grass, twigs and seaweed. The Auckland Shag lays three pale blue-green eggs in November-February. The incubation period for the Auckland Shag is 26-32 days.

The Auckland Shag is considered vulnerable by the IUCN due to its small population size and restricted global range. Only around 2000 Auckland Shags exist in their remote habitat.

The binomial name of this bird commmemorates the naturalist William Colenso.

References

* cite book
last = Shirihai
first = Hadoram
year = 2002
title = A Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife
publisher = Alula Press
location = Degerby, Finland
id = ISBN 951-98947-0-5
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3692&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]