How do the diving patterns of European shags differ from those of cormorants around Mallorca's coastline?

The diving patterns of European shags and cormorants around Mallorca's coastline show distinct differences that reflect their varying foraging strategies and adaptations. European shags typically engage in shorter, more frequent dives, often lasting around 20 to 30 seconds. They tend to dive from the water's surface rather than from the air, and their dives are relatively shallow, generally not exceeding 10 meters in depth. This diving behavior allows shags to exploit the rich coastal waters close to rocky shores where small fish and invertebrates are abundant. Their agile, streamlined bodies facilitate quick, precise underwater movements to catch prey close to the seabed.

In contrast, cormorants around Mallorca are known for longer and deeper dives that can last up to a minute or more. They often plunge dive from a short flight or the water's surface, reaching depths of 20 meters or deeper in search of larger prey. Cormorants tend to explore a wider range of habitats, including open water and deeper coastal zones where they can find bigger fish. Their dive pattern is less frequent but more prolonged, reflecting a strategy that balances energy expenditure with capturing substantial prey. On the surface, both birds are frequently observed drying their wings, a behavior linked to their less waterproof feathers, but this is more commonly seen in cormorants.

These differences in diving behavior highlight how each species has adapted to the diverse marine environment around Mallorca. While both birds share similar coastal niches, European shags are more specialized for quick, shallow feeding close to rocky substrates, whereas cormorants adopt a more versatile approach with deeper, longer dives suited to varying depths. Observing these distinctions along Mallorca's shoreline offers a fascinating glimpse into their ecological roles and the dynamic coastal ecosystem they inhabit.