Pitt Island Shag

Kawau o Rangihaute is an endemic Chatham Islands shag with dark upperparts and contrasting pale underparts. Adults have a dark head and back, white belly, blue facial skin and orange-red feet; Chatham Island shag is larger and usually shows more white on the face and neck.

It occurs only around the Chatham Islands, breeding on sea cliffs and rocky stacks near Pitt, Chatham and surrounding islands. Birds dive close to shore for fish and marine invertebrates and build ledge nests from vegetation and guano.

Pitt Island shag is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Storms, colony disturbance, fishing nets and small total range threaten it. Rocky coasts around Pitt Island and southern Chatham Island provide the best chance.