The pied shag (Phalacrocorax varius), also known by its Māori name kāruhiruhi, is named for the bird's "shaggy" feather crest that many species sport on their heads during breeding seasons. Globally, these birds are known as cormorants. However, in New Zealand, they are traditionally called shags. It is identified by its long, slender, greyish-pink bill. While they appear strictly black and white from a distance, breeding adults develop striking, colourful facial accents – bright yellow facial skin right in front of their eyes, a pinkish-red patch at the base of the beak, and vivid neon-blue eye-rings. They also have a transparent third eyelid called a nictitating membrane, which closes over their eyes to act as protective goggles underwater.
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