Antarctic Shag

Leucocarbo bransfieldensis

The Antarctic Shag, scientifically known as Leucocarbo bransfieldensis, is a species of cormorant found in the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands. This seabird has a distinctive black plumage with a metallic green sheen, and it is well-adapted for diving and swimming in the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. It primarily feeds on fish and crustaceans, using its agile and streamlined body to hunt underwater. The Antarctic Shag nests in colonies on coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops, often in close proximity to its foraging grounds. Due to its remote and inhospitable habitat, this species faces minimal direct human impact, but its population status and specific threats are not well-documented.

Habitat: Coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops in the Antarctic Peninsula