mediterranean race shag ? (1 Viewer)

[John Knifton]

I found this bird at Rospletha Cliffs, near St.Levan in Cornwall England on August 21st.

I thought it was the same size as the shags around it, but why is its breast so brilliant white ?

Is it a mediterranean race shag, or is it just a cormorant...a relatively uncommon bird on these cliffs ?

 

[HH75]

Hi John,
It seems as though your mystery bird is visibly larger than the surrounding Shags, so it may well be a juv Cormorant.
There have been a few claims of 'Mediterranean Shags' in southern England, but it is now felt that local juveniles of the nominate race can approach the appearance of these. Biometrics and/or a ringing recovery would presumably be necessary to gain acceptance for true Mediterranean birds to the British List.

 

[BobTag]

Hi John,
It seems as though your mystery bird is visibly larger than the surrounding Shags, so it may well be a juv Cormorant.
There have been a few claims of 'Mediterranean Shags' in southern England, but it is now felt that local juveniles of the nominate race can approach the appearance of these. Biometrics and/or a ringing recovery would presumably be necessary to gain acceptance for true Mediterranean birds to the British List.

Harry is spot on here; your bird is a Great Cormorant