Identifying Cormorant and Shag

A black, reptilian-looking bird swims by low to the water - but is it a Cormorant or a Shag? Cormorants are more familiar and wide-spread, although Shags are more numerous. Let us help you to separate these two similar-looking species of water bird.

BTO bird identification videos are supported by Natureguides

Natureguides kindly provide species video clips for our bird identification videos.

BirdTrack migration blog (end of October to mid November)

Even as we reach the beginning of November, autumn migration is still very evident. Birds continue to arrive in the UK from more northerly regions to spend the next few months here in our warmer winters, before...

Event

Raptor ID training (2 sessions, Wednesdays 7pm)

The training will consist of two weekly online modules of 90–100 minutes each, complemented by supported self-study exercises which will be provided after each session. The training will be run by BTO staff members Nick...

Article

BTO Acoustic Pipeline

An accurate species identification and data management tool for acoustic monitoring in conservation, management and site assessment.

Identifying Cormorant and Shag

BTO bird identification videos are supported by Natureguides

Share this page

Related content

BirdTrack migration blog (end of October to mid November)

Raptor ID training (2 sessions, Wednesdays 7pm)

BTO Acoustic Pipeline