Restricted to south-eastern South I and Stewart I (New Zealand).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 5,000 - 8,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Human activities, illegal shooting, fishing nets regularly catching birds, introduced predators, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Fish, marine invertebrates.
Voice
Male calls at nest colonies. Otherwise silent.
Otago Shag (Leucocarbo chalconotus) [XC345379]
by id from Oamaru, Waitaki District, Otago, New Zealand (begging call)
Nest
A large platform of twigs, seaweed and guano, on rocky headlands and islands. In colonies.
Subspecies
Often considered subspecies of Rough-faced Shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus). Some authors merge carunculatus, chalconotus and onslowi, and campbelli, ranfurlyi and colensoi into single species.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet