Farne and Staple Islands

Scratch That Itch, European Shag - Farne Islands

The European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) is a species of cormorant. It breeds around the rocky coasts of western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa. In Britain this seabird is usually referred to as simply the shag.
It is distinguished from the great cormorant by its smaller size, lighter build, thinner bill, and, in breeding adults, by the crest and metallic green-tinged sheen on the feathers. The green sheen on the feathers results in the alternative name green cormorant. It feeds in the sea, and, unlike the great cormorant, is rare inland.

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