The little pied cormorant, also known as the little shag (Microcarbo melanoleucos), is a prevalent Australasian waterbird found in various aquatic habitats across Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and surrounding regions. This small cormorant features a distinctive black upper body and white underparts, complemented by a yellow bill and a small crest. In New Zealand, a predominantly black white-throated form is most common, and there are three recognized subspecies.
