Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)

Prefers rocky or cliff coastal sites. Breeding areas in the UK are Cornwall up the West Coast to Scotland. Rarely seen inland. Similar to Cormorant but without the large skin patch (Gular pouch) behind the bill. The bill is also more slender and the bird is not as large.

Updated: Feb 14, 2010 5:47pm PST

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Widespread on both fresh water or sea, They can often be seen in their characteristic perched pose with wings outstretched. In the water, most of their body is submerged. They catch fish in a long dive and bring their bigger catch to the surface to eat. More info on these pages http://web.tiscali.it/cormorants/pdf..._ardea2004.pdf and ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2010 4:48am PST