Spotted Shag vs Pitt Island Shag
Phalacrocorax punctatus versus Phalacrocorax featherstoni
Play a quiz with Spotted Shag and Pitt Island Shag
Spotted Shag
Pitt Island Shag
In short
The most reliable field mark to distinguish the Spotted Shag from the Pitt Island Shag is their distribution, as the Pitt Island Shag is endemic to the Chatham Islands. Both species have similar plumage, but the Spotted Shag is more widespread in coastal New Zealand.
Identification tips
- Location: If observed in the Chatham Islands, it is likely a Pitt Island Shag. 2. Range: Spotted Shags are found along the New Zealand mainland coast, not on the Chatham Islands.
Plumage
Both species have similar plumage characteristics, making them difficult to distinguish based on color alone.
Habitat
The Spotted Shag is found along the coasts of New Zealand, while the Pitt Island Shag is restricted to the Chatham Islands.