Bounty Island Shag

Bounty Island shag is a compact endemic shag confined to the tiny, exposed Bounty Islands. Adults are black above and white below with pink feet, blue facial skin and a small crest; no other shag shares its remote breeding range.

The entire species breeds and feeds around the Bounty Islands east of the South Island. It dives for fish and marine invertebrates and nests on bare rock in dense colonies with other seabirds.

Bounty Island shag is At Risk — Naturally Uncommon (NZ Threat Classification). Its single tiny island group leaves it vulnerable to storms and marine food changes. Only expedition voyages passing the Bounty Islands offer realistic viewing.