Spotted shags/parekareka (Stictocarbo punctatus) are mainly found around the South Island in coastal waters out to 16 km, entering inlets and estuaries to feed and roost. The Marlborough Sounds is a stronghold for the species.

Appearance

The spotted shag is a medium-sized, grey-blue marine shag with a long, slender bill and yellow-orange feet. Adult breeding birds have small black spots on their back and wings.

A distinctive curved broad white stripe runs from above the eye down both sides of the neck. They have a black crest on the front and back of the head.

Bare facial skin between the eye and bill turns green-blue before the breeding season. They make loud grunts at resting, roosting and nesting areas, but are otherwise silent.

Adult breeding birds have small black spots on their back and wings

Diet

Their diet consists of small fish and marine invertebrates, including squid and plankton. They feed in deep water up to 16 km offshore. Spotted shags breed in colonies of a few pairs to 700 pairs. Timing varies year to year, depending on food availability.

Nesting and breeding

Spotted shags are monogamous; 3–4 pale blue eggs are laid in a large nest platform made of sticks and vegetation, built on coastal cliff ledges and stacks. Incubation and chick-rearing are shared. Young leave the nest at 62 days.

You can help

On your property

• Trap predators on your property.
• Be a responsible cat owner.

In your community

• Find and volunteer with your local community group 
• Trap predators in your community
• Get kids or schools involved

See Predator Free 2050 Trust - get involved for information.

Visiting parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes

• Leave nesting birds alone.
• Use available access ways to get to the beach. 
• Avoid leaving old fishing lines in the water.
• Follow the water care code and local navigation bylaws.
• Do not drive on riverbeds, or keep to formed tracks if you have to.
• Check for pests if visiting pest-free islands.

With your dog

• Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control.
• If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away. 
• Warn other dog owners at the location.
• Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs.
• Get your dog trained in avian awareness.
• Learn about the Lead the Way programme which encourages dog owners to become wildlife wise and know how to act to protect coastal wildlife.

Specific ways to keep wildlife safe while with your dog on beaches.