Imperial Shag
Leucocarbo atriceps
With its striking blue eye-rings and elegant black-and-white plumage, the Imperial Shag is a master of the Southern Ocean's frigid depths. Whether nesting on wind-battered cliffs or diving for fish in Patagonian fjords, this charismatic seabird is a true icon of the subantarctic wild.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 70–79 cm (28–31 in); Wingspan: 124 cm (49 in); Weight: 1.8–3.5 kg (4–7.7 lbs)
Colors
Glossy black upperparts (head, neck, back, wings) and stark white underparts. Features a vivid blue ring of skin around the eyes and orange-yellow caruncles at the base of the bill.
Key Features
- Vivid blue ring of skin around the eyes
- Yellow-orange fleshy caruncles at the base of the bill
- Glossy black upperparts with stark white throat and belly
- Prominent black crest during the breeding season
- Pinkish-gray webbed feet
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Apr 8, 2026
A dense colony of Imperial Shags is gathered on a rocky nesting site. The birds are closely packed together, many sitting on elevated nests made of guano and debris. Throughout the scene, individuals can be seen preening, adjusting their positions, and engaging in social displays with their neighbors. In the latter half of the footage, there is increased movement as birds shift and interact within the crowded nesting area.
Apr 7, 2026
A dense colony of Imperial Shags is settled across a rocky landscape on Isla Tovita. Hundreds of birds are perched on individual raised mud nesting mounds. Many individuals are active, frequently turning their heads, preening their black-and-white feathers, and adjusting their positions on the nests. The colony is bathed in bright sunlight, casting distinct shadows on the ground.
Apr 7, 2026
A group of Kelp Gulls and Imperial Shags are gathered along the rocky shoreline of Isla Tova. Several gulls are perched on the wet rocks as waves crash against the shore, while a group of shags stands on the sandy area in the foreground. Multiple birds are seen flying over the ocean and across the frame, including a bird that briefly flies very close to the camera lens.
Apr 7, 2026
Several Imperial Shags are gathered on the rocky shore of Isla Tovita. One individual walks across the foreground from left to right, while others remain stationary or preen on the rocks near the breaking waves. The birds are seen against a backdrop of crashing surf and morning mist.
Apr 6, 2026
A bustling colony of Imperial Shags is seen nesting on the rocky ground of Isla Tovita. The birds, characterized by their black and white plumage and pink feet, are perched on circular mud-and-guano nests. Some are seen preening their feathers, while others look around or shift their weight on the nests. The video transitions from the soft, low light of the early morning to the much brighter, direct sunlight of the afternoon, showing the continuous activity within the colony.
Apr 4, 2026
Several Imperial Shags are perched on the rocky shoreline as waves crash against the coast. In the foreground, one bird stretches and vigorously flaps its wings while others remain settled or shift slightly among the rocks. The rough sea creates a constant backdrop of white foam against the dark volcanic stone.
Geographic range
Where Does the Imperial Shag Live?
Native to the southernmost reaches of the Southern Hemisphere, the Imperial Shag thrives along the rugged coastlines of southern South America, specifically in Chile and Argentina. Its range extends across the cold waters of the Southern Ocean to the Antarctic Peninsula and various subantarctic island chains like the Falklands and South Georgia. These birds are iconic residents of the windswept Patagonian fjords and the icy fringes of the Antarctic continent.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recorded on EverydayEarth
Behavior
Imperial Shags are highly social and gregarious birds, often found in massive, noisy colonies that can number in the thousands. They are exceptional divers, utilizing their powerful webbed feet to propel themselves to incredible depths—sometimes reaching nearly 100 meters—in search of prey. Unlike many other seabirds, they are known to forage both individually and in synchronized groups called "rafts," where they work together to herd schools of fish toward the surface.
While they spend much of their time at sea, they are common sights along coastal settlements, often resting on man-made structures like piers, jetties, and harbor walls. Their social life is centered around the breeding colony, where they engage in elaborate ritualized displays, such as "head-shaking" and "sky-pointing," to strengthen pair bonds. They are generally tolerant of humans but will aggressively defend their small nesting territories from encroaching neighbors or scavengers.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To capture the Imperial Shag on camera, focus on rocky outcrops or piers near the shoreline where they typically dry their wings. Because their feathers are not fully waterproof, they spend significant time perched with their wings spread wide to catch the wind. Positioning your camera at a low angle (about 1-2 feet off the ground) can create a dramatic perspective that highlights their striking blue eye-rings and yellow caruncles against the ocean backdrop.
Since these birds inhabit harsh, windy environments, ensure your camera housing is extremely weather-resistant and securely anchored to rocks or heavy driftwood. Avoid placing cameras in the direct splash zone to prevent salt spray from blurring the lens. If you are near a breeding colony, set your camera at a distance of at least 15-20 feet to avoid disturbing the birds; use a high-resolution sensor or a zoom-capable trail camera to get the best detail without causing stress.
The best time for activity is during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon when they return from foraging trips. Fast shutter speeds are essential (1/1000s or faster) if you hope to catch them in flight or as they explode out of the water. While they don't respond to traditional birdseed, placing a camera near a known 'drying rock' or a popular jetty is far more effective than any artificial lure.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Imperial Shag.
Frequently Asked Questions
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