Imperial shag or blue-eyed shag, in tussock grass. The Imperial Shag is about 30" long and 4-8 lbs, with males averaging larger than females. It can dive as deep as 80' while foraging for small benthic fish, crustaceans, polychaetes, gastropods and octopuses.
Species: Imperial shag, Leucocarbo atriceps, Phalacrocorax atriceps
Location: New Island, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom
Image ID: 23761
Male Brandt's Cormorant Skypointing, Courtship Display, Breeding Plumage with blue throat and white pin-feathers, La Jolla. Skypointing is an interesting courtship behavior that many birds practice. Among Brandt's Cormorants the male performs this, likely as a way of attracting a mate to the nest he has built by showing off his striking blue throat. He tips his head backward showing off his striking blue throat, and partially raises his wings. Seen here on seacliffs above the ocean.
Species: Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40150
Brandt's Cormorant portrait in shade with ocean in the background. Its striking blue eyes and throat can be seen, along with thin white feathers on its checks and shoulders. A bit of fluff is on its beak after it has been preening its feathers.
Species: Brandt's cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40151
Male Brandt's Cormorant courtship display with head pointing skyward and wings partially spread. Note the blue throat, a type of breeding plumage. Only males skypoint.
Species: Brandt's Cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Location: La Jolla, California
Image ID: 40153