Leucocarbo atriceps
The Imperial Shag (Leucocarbo atriceps), often known as the Blue-eyed Shag or King Cormorant in some regions, is a striking and robust seabird endemic to the cold, temperate waters of southern South America and sub-Antarctic islands. This medium-sized cormorant typically measures 68-76 cm (27-30 in) in length with a wingspan of 110-124 cm (43-49 in) and weighs between 1.8-3.5 kg (4-7.7 lb). Its plumage is predominantly glossy black on the head, neck, and back, contrasting sharply with pure wh...
This marine species primarily inhabits cold coastal waters, favoring rocky shores, cliffs, and offshore islands for breeding and roosting. It remains at sea level, foraging in shallow to moderately deep oceanic waters.
Primarily piscivorous, their diet consists mainly of small- to medium-sized fish, complemented by cephalopods, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates. They are agile underwater pursuit hunters.
Imperial Shags are diurnal, spending their days foraging in coastal waters or resting and preening on rocky outcrops. They are expert pursuit divers, propelling themselves underwater with powerful feet to chase prey. Colonial breeders, they establish dense nesting colonies on steep cliffs, defend...
The Imperial Shag exhibits a highly disjunct distribution across the southern tip of South America and various sub-Antarctic islands. Its breeding range encompasses coastal Chile and Argentina, extending south through Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Channel. Significant populations are found on t...
Least Concern
- Imperial Shags can dive to impressive depths, with some records indicating dives over 60 meters (200 feet) in search of prey. - Their nests are often constructed primarily from guano, cementing other materials together into a durable, conical structure. - The vibrant blue eye-ring and orange-ye...