Species profile
About this species
The European Shag is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the cormorant family, characterised by its glossy dark green-black plumage & distinctive recurved crest during the breeding season. It inhabits rocky coastal waters around the Atlantic coasts of Europe, where it dives expertly to catch fish near the seabed. Unlike the similar Great Cormorant, the Shag prefers purely marine environments & is rarely found on inland waters.
Rocky coastal cliffs, sea stacks, & offshore islands along Atlantic & Mediterranean coastlines, where the birds nest in crevices & ledges & forage in clear, shallow to moderately deep inshore marine waters.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph European Shag with us in Iceland & Scotland.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Robin Lowry helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Spring & early summer during the breeding season offer the best opportunities, as birds display their iconic crests & are highly active around nesting colonies. Early morning light provides warm, directional illumination that enhances the iridescent sheen of the plumage.
Position yourself low on rocky outcrops to achieve eye-level shots, which produce far more engaging & natural-looking images. Photograph birds returning to their nesting ledges during the breeding season to capture dramatic wing-spreading behaviour & interactions with chicks. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the action when birds are landing, diving, or shaking water from their plumage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring European Shag
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
