Little Pied Shag
The most common cormorant species I saw was the Little Pied Shag. The species has a variety of different plumages. This bird was in the Ashley-Rakahuri Estuary in Christchurch. Shags dive for fish. Their feathers are not fully waterproof, which means that their soaked feathers make them heavier and allow them to stay under water longer. However, it also means they need to dry their feathers after diving.
Little Pied Shag
The most common cormorant species I saw was the Little Pied Shag. The species has a variety of different plumages. This bird was in the Ashley-Rakahuri Estuary in Christchurch. Shags dive for fish. Their feathers are not fully waterproof, which means that their soaked feathers make them heavier and allow them to stay under water longer. However, it also means they need to dry their feathers after diving.