New Zealand King Shag

Leucocarbo carunculatus

The New Zealand King Shag is a large, distinctive seabird endemic to New Zealand. It has a long, slender bill, and a distinctive caruncle at the base of its bill. This species is primarily found in coastal marine environments, where it feeds on a variety of fish and crustaceans. The breeding colonies are located on rocky coastal cliffs and islands. The New Zealand King Shag is known for its striking black and white plumage, with iridescent green and blue sheen on its feathers. It is a large seabird, with a wingspan of around 1.4 meters. The conservation status of the New Zealand King Shag is classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN due to threats such as habitat disturbance and predation by introduced species.

Habitat: Coastal marine environments