Stomach Contents of New Zealand Inland Shags

Abstract

Twenty-nine stomachs of the large black shag (Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.)) and 61 of the white-throated or little pied shag (P. brevirostris (Gould)) from the Rotorua-Taupo area were examined. Techniques used to determine the state of digestion and the identification of otoliths are discussed. Stomach content analyses showed that the food of lake-feeding shags in July consisted almost entirely of fish and freshwater crayfish. Bullies (Gobiomorphus sp.) were the most important food fish. Salmonid fish were found in one stomach (P. carbo).