Leucocarbo campbelli
The Campbell Shag (*Leucocarbo campbelli*) is a striking, medium-sized marine bird endemic to the remote Campbell Island archipelago in New Zealand's subantarctic region. Measuring approximately 63 cm (25 in) in length with a wingspan of about 105 cm (41 in) and weighing between 1.6 to 2 kg (3.5-4.4 lbs), it exhibits a glossy blackish-blue or bronzy-black plumage on its back and wings, contrasting sharply with a pristine white belly and underparts. Distinctive field marks include bright orang...
This species exclusively inhabits coastal marine environments, specifically rocky shores, cliffs, and sheltered bays around Campbell Island and its satellite islets. It is found at sea level, establishing its breeding colonies on inaccessible cliff ledges.
The primary diet consists of small fish, including species from the Nototheniidae family, supplemented by crustaceans and cephalopods. They forage by pursuit diving in coastal waters.
Campbell Shags are diurnal and highly gregarious, forming dense breeding colonies on cliff faces and often foraging in groups. They are pursuit-divers, actively swimming underwater to catch prey, capable of diving to considerable depths. During the non-breeding season, they roost communally on ro...
The Campbell Shag is strictly endemic to the Campbell Island archipelago, part of New Zealand's subantarctic islands, located far south of the main New Zealand landmass. Its distribution encompasses Campbell Island itself, along with smaller satellite islets such as Dent Island and Folly Island. ...
Near Threatened
- Endemic to the remote Campbell Island, making it one of the most geographically restricted bird species globally. - Named after the island it inhabits, which in turn was named after Robert Campbell, a Sydney merchant. - The breeding plumage features distinctive crests: a prominent frontal crest...