South African Shag

Leucocarbo verrucosus

South African Shag, Leucocarbo verrucosus, is a cormorant of the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. It nests on Grande Terre, on offshore islets, and on islands in the Golfe du Morbihan, and it feeds at sea across the archipelago, usually close to land. In summer it takes food among kelp, sometimes from the seabed. Breeding birds show a black forehead crest, yellow or orange facial warts, and a bright blue eye-ring. The species is also notable for not spreading its wings when perched.