Phalacrocorax featherstoni Buller, 1873

Foot Color Classification

Shags in the shag family are split into three groups based on foot color: black, yellow, or pink. Outside New Zealand, black-footed shags are better known as cormorants.

Taxonomic Placement

The Pitt shag, scientifically Phalacrocorax featherstoni Buller, 1873, belongs to the yellow-footed group.

Size and Weight

This bird has a slim build, measures around 63 cm long, and weighs 650 to 1300 g.

Plumage and Markings

It has a yellow marking around its eyes, light gray neck and chest, and black and navy shading on the rest of its head, back, wings, and tail.

Geographic Distribution

The Pitt shag is native to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand, occurring on Chatham, Pitt, Rangatira, Mangere, Little Mangere, Western Reef, Pyramid, Sisters, Murumuru, Castle, Rabbit, Forty Fours, and Star Keys.

Habitat and Ecology

Within any of these islands, the bird lives along the coast and on rocky islets, and breeds and forages in nearby waters including Te Whanga Lagoon.