The Spotted Shag or Parekareka (Phalacrocorax punctatus) is a species of cormorant endemic to New Zealand. They feed at sea, often in flocks, taking prey from mid-water rather than the bottom, returning to their colonies generally found on the ledges of coastal cliffs or on rocky islets at the end of the day.

It is a light-coloured shag, with a pale blue-grey front and a light brown back and wings with small black spots on the back and wings and an obscure white stripe from above the eyes down the neck. During the mating season, quite a radical change of appearance takes place with the development of a broad white stripe from above the eye down the sides of the neck. Also an obvious double crest sprouts out of the head - one on the front falling forward and the other on the nape. The eye ring turns greenish blue, and the skin in front of the eye develops an emerald green.