Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius)

A pied shag (Phalacrocorax varius) stands on a piece of driftwood in the estuary at Waikanae. It has fluffed up its feathers and spread the wings out to dry. The webbed feet can be seen gripping the log. The head is turned sideways and the yellow patch of skin in front of the eye indicates that this is a breeding adult. Back feathers are black and the underneath feathers are white. It is also called a Yellow-faced cormorant.