Otago Shag

Matapo is a large endemic shag restricted to coastal Otago and occurring in both pied and bronze-dark forms. Pied birds have black upperparts and white underparts, while bronze birds are dark with a green-bronze sheen; both have stout bills and pink feet. Foveaux shag is confined farther south.

Colonies and feeding areas extend along the Otago coast from the Waitaki area to the Catlins, centred on Otago Harbour and Otago Peninsula. Matapo dive for bottom fish and marine invertebrates and build large mound-like nests on cliffs and harbour structures.

Otago shag is Threatened — Nationally Increasing (NZ Threat Classification). Fishing nets, disturbance and dependence on a limited coastal range remain concerns. Otago Harbour, Taiaroa Head and nearby coastal cliffs provide reliable views.