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Kōrero: Shags

King shags building nests

Image
King shags building nests

These king shags are part of a colony on a rocky slope in the Marlborough Sounds. Adult shags are able to live in three worlds: sky, water and land. Compromises have to be struck between these requirements, and the birds are least adept at walking. However, land offers a dry surface for building nests for their eggs and chicks, until they too are capable of flying and swimming. King shags are rare, and the population is vulnerable to human disturbance of various kinds.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10038112

by Andy Cox

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Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Gerard Hutching, Shags – A variety of species, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/5400/king-shags-building-nests (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Gerard Hutching, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.