European shag

With its distinctive appearance, the European shag is a common sight around the bird cliffs. You can observe them almost all year round, usually perched on the islets down by the sea. If you look closely, you will see them drying their wings, as they prefer not to fly when their feathers are wet. From a distance, they may look black, but upon closer inspection, you will notice their plumage has a greenish sheen. During the breeding season, the shag develops a characteristic crest on its head, which gives the bird its name. Data from NINA estimates the population on Runde to be 150-200 pairs.

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