Campbell shag facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campbell shag |
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| Campbell Island shag mount from the collection of Auckland Museum | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leucocarbo
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| Species: |
campbelli
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| Synonyms | |
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Phalacrocorax campbelli |
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The Campbell shag (Leucocarbo campbelli), also known as the Campbell Island shag, is a special type of bird. It belongs to the cormorant family. This bird is found only on Campbell Island, a remote island far south of New Zealand. It loves to live in the open sea and on rocky shores.
About the Campbell Shag
The Campbell shag is a medium-sized bird. It grows to be about 63 centimeters (25 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to 105 centimeters (41 inches). This bird usually weighs between 1.6 and 2 kilograms (3.5 to 4.4 pounds).
Where it Lives
This unique bird lives only on Campbell Island. It is an endemic species. This means you won't find it naturally anywhere else in the world! It makes its home in the open ocean and along the island's rocky coastlines.
What it Does
Campbell shags only breed on Campbell Island. They stay close to the island when they look for food. They usually search for food within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the island's shores.
Its Family Tree
Scientists sometimes group animals into different families. Some experts, like the International Ornithologists' Union, place the Campbell shag in the group called Leucocarbo. Other scientists place it in the group called Phalacrocorax. This shows how scientists sometimes have different ideas about how to classify animals.
