Although it is a common sight around Scotland, estimating the breeding population of European Shags is difficult because of their habit of nesting under boulders and in dark, inaccessible caves.

One of the largest colonies in the UK was on Canna, though it has declined recently due to predation by rats. Other large NTS colonies are to be found at Fair Isle, St Abbs and Mingulay.

Food: Mainly fish, sometimes swallowing prey before reaching the surface.  Mainly surface diver but can also plunge dive, staying under for up to 3-4 minutes.

Nest Site: Prefers more sheltered and shady overhung sites to that of cormorant on ledges, fissures, caves and under boulders.  Nest material heap of vegetation such as  bracken, seaweed, using grasses for finer lining

Breeding: Mid March to mid June where 1-6 eggs are laid.

Wintering: Scottish population move north to Norway and other UK populations move Irish Sea, Bristol Channel, and south to Brittany.

Distribution: UK, southern Ireland, Norway, Russia, Iceland, Faeroes, Spain and southern Europe.

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