Birds
Imperial Shag
Leucocarbo atriceps · also called blue-eyed shag
Marked by a vivid ring of blue skin around each eye, an imperial shag dives to considerable depth in pursuit of fish along sub-Antarctic and South American coastlines, nesting in dense, glossy black-and-white colonies on rocky headlands.
Overview
The imperial shag, Leucocarbo atriceps, is a diving seabird native to coastal and ocean habitat across sub-Antarctic islands and the southern coastlines of South America. Its striking blue eye-ring, considerable diving ability, and dense cliffside breeding colonies make it one of the more visually distinctive and ecologically important coastal seabirds found anywhere in the region.
A diver marked by colour
While its glossy black-and-white plumage makes the imperial shag recognisable even at a distance, it is the vivid blue ring circling each eye that draws the closest attention, a splash of colour on an otherwise efficient, purely functional diving predator.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable sub-Antarctic and southern South American coastal habitat.
Imperial Shag: common questions
Why is the imperial shag also called the blue-eyed shag?
This species has a vivid ring of bare, blue-coloured skin around each eye, a feature distinctive and striking enough to give the species one of its alternative common names.
How does the imperial shag catch fish underwater?
This species can dive to considerable depth in pursuit of fish, using its feet for propulsion underwater rather than relying primarily on its wings, a diving style typical of cormorants and shags generally.
Where does the imperial shag build its nest?
This species constructs a cup-shaped nest from mud, guano, and available vegetation on rocky coastal cliffs and headlands, often reusing and repairing the same nest site across multiple breeding seasons.
What does the imperial shag look like?
This species has a glossy black back and crown contrasting with a white underside, along with its distinctive blue eye-ring, a striking combination among the coastal seabirds of the Southern Ocean.