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Coast of South Cornwall, UK 4th April 2023 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Dave Derrick
- Start date
Yes, Cormorant and Shag. Note the differences between the extent of facial skin. It connects with the eye in Cormorant but not in Shag. This is a consistent difference in all plumages.
Welsh Peregrine
Well-known member
The Cormorant is immature, the Shag adult by the way.
Andrew, Very many thanks; most helpful, Dave.
Excellent. Many thanks, Dave.
birdboybowley
Well-known member.....apparently so ;)
Also check the differences in bill structure - another thing that is reliable even at range
Many thanks. I think I can appreciate that now. Cheers, Dave.
Butty, very many thanks, Dave.
In bright sunlight the Shag shows a green gloss in breeding plumage to its body and a purplish tinge to its wings. Probably not always discernable. If on the water, the Shag will leap clear before diving, but often too quick to catch, if not in direct view, or with camera ready to trigger..
Jon Turner
Well-known member
The late, great David Hunt pointed out that Cormorants have a thicker neck than Shags. This was on a trip to see Puffins on Annet, while we were all looking at dozens of Shags on a rock with a lone Cormorant for comparison.
Many thanks to you all for your comments etc. Much appreciated. Dave.
