Meet England’s shag coastal bird (handsome you!)
These are beautiful seabirds (related to cormorants), with glorious green eyes, long black necks and yellow patches around their mouths. Like cormorants, their feathers are not waterproof (so they can dive deeper, but they have to dry their wings, after being in the water).
They are often called ‘mini pterodactyls’ due to looking a bit like dinosaurs, when they stretch out their wings!
Unlike most seabirds, shags don’t plunge into the sea to fish, but instead leap into the water, then dive down to find food. They build nests on cliffs using twigs, feathers and even seaweed, all held together by guano (droppings!)
As an island nation, England is home to many coastal birds, who adore our natural wetlands. Loss of habitat to farming and urban building has put many at risk.
How to protect England’s coastal birds
- It’s also important to keep yourself and dogs away from coastal birds (flying away uses up energy they need to feed), especially at nesting season (when many birds hide chicks in the sand dunes). Read more on keeping dogs safe at the seaside.
- Always keep to designated footpaths and take litter home (report any injured birds to your local wildlife rescue).
- Sometimes pirri-pirri burrs stick to your clothing (or a dog’s fur). If seen, remove them and bin securely, to avoid them choking coastal chicks (same on country walks).
- If you sail a boat, keep at least 100m away from nesting or resting birds (particularly on shingle islands and spits) and turn off your engine if nearby. Likewise, take any litter with you.
