European Shag

A more slender coastal diver than the Cormorant, with green-glossed dark plumage. Breeding adults have a small, forward-curling crest.

A recording has not been added yet. Use the identification notes below for now.

I know this bird · Record a sighting Where to look & how to find it ↓

FIELDCRAFT · FIND WITH CARE

Finding guide

Habitat first

Choose the season, find the habitat, then watch patiently. Search guidance is not a measure of rarity or conservation status.

When to go: All year
Where to start: Howth’s rocky shores and coastal walks around Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney.
What to do when you arrive: Prioritise rocky coasts and coastal water over inland ponds. Look for the slimmer neck and bill, and a crest in spring; black plumage alone is not enough.

Habitat and behaviour reference: BirdWatch Ireland ↗ · The practical steps are editorial advice based on the references, not live sightings.

SPECIES NOTESSpecies notes

How to identify it

Slimmer neck and bill and a steeper forehead than Cormorant. Adults lack its conspicuous white cheek. The crest is seasonal; young birds can be difficult, so compare bill shape and proportions.

Habitat

Rocky coasts, islands, harbours and inshore waters; rarely far inland on freshwater.

Behaviour

Dives for marine fish and nests in coastal rock crevices. May also rest with wings spread on rocks.

When to look

All year

Where to look

Howth’s rocky shores and coastal walks around Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney.

Reference photos do not show every sex, age, season or geographic form; use the identification notes too.

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