Stewart Island Shag
Leucocarbo chalconotus
A large, pink-footed marine shag predominantly found around southern coastlines of South Island, New Zealand. Plumage varies between morphs: the pied morph has a dark head, a white throat and belly, and white patches on black wings, while the bronze morph is completely brownish-black with a glossy sheen. Bill color variable. Orange caruncles appear above the base of the bill during breeding season, along with a crest and bright blue eyes. Juveniles are dimorphic but duller with pale facial skin and no caruncles. Similar to Pied Shag and Great Cormorant, but has pink feet instead of black and does not perch in trees. King and Chatham Islands Shag are very similar, but the three do not overlap in range.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Leucocarbo chalconotus
- Order
- Suliformes
- Family
- Phalacrocoracidae
- Genus
- Leucocarbo
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Pacific Heron
Ardea pacifica
Large dark gray heron with white head and neck. In flight shows white "headlights" on the leading edge of the wing. Typically has dark legs. Usually found near water. Often seen singly, but also occurs in large scattered groups while foraging in damp paddocks and grassland.
Fulvous-headed Brushfinch
Atlapetes fulviceps
Colorful brushfinch of upper humid montane forest and open humid scrubland in the Andes from NW Argentina to central Bolivia. Superficially similar to Rust-and-yellow Tanager, but note contrasting yellow malar and lores. Travels in pairs, often with mixed species flocks. Generally prefers drier and more open habitats than Bolivian Brushfinch.
Chestnut-breasted Partridge
Arborophila mandellii
Ornate partridge of east Himalayan foothill forests. Often in areas with dense bamboo stands. Note black-and-white “necklace” and dark rusty-red head and chest. Like many other Arborophila partridges, can be elusive and difficult to see in the gloom of the forest floor; instead, listen for its song, a far-carrying slow series of rising whistles or short whistled phrases, often slightly burry.
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