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Specimen information:

Catalog number: MZB 2006-0623
Scientific name : Phalacrocorax aristotelis (Linnaeus, 1761)
Common name: European Shag
Element: skull
Location: Calella
Collecting date: 25/06/2006
Acquisition source: CRFS Torreferrussa
Acquisition Date: 24/10/2006
Biometrics - skull: Width 126mm X Depth 31.1mm

Information about the species:

Chordata ,Vertebrata ,Aves ,Pelecaniformes ,Phalacrocoracidae ,Phalacrocorax ,Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Description:

The European Shag is an active species that lives along coasts. Its skull is elongated and pear-shaped, with a long narrow bill, down-curved at the tip, which it uses to catch fish under the water. The lower mandible does not reach the orbital ring, unlike in the Great Cormorant. It swims well and feeds largely on marine fish such as sardines and herrings.