Spotted Shag

Kawau tikitiki is a slender marine shag with spotted grey plumage, orange feet and paired head crests in breeding dress. Adults show black spots on a grey back, a dark face, white stripe down the neck and orange-red facial skin and feet; no other New Zealand shag combines these marks.

Colonies occur around the South Island, Cook Strait and parts of the lower North Island, with strongholds on Banks Peninsula and Otago Peninsula. It dives in coastal water for small fish and crustaceans and nests densely on cliff ledges.

Spotted shag is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Colony disturbance, set nets, food shifts and dependence on few breeding cliffs create risk. Banks Peninsula, Otago Peninsula and Wellington Harbour are well-known viewing areas.