European shag

With its characteristic appearance, is not unusual to see the European shag at Runde. You can observe them almost all year round. The shag usually sits on the rocks down by the sea. You will often find them while they are sitting and drying their wings, as they are not too happy to fly when they are wet. From a distance, they may appear black, but on closer inspection you will see that it has a metallic green sheen on its feathers. During the breeding season, the adults will get a characteristic feather crest on the top of its head.

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