The Little Shag, Little Pied Cormorant or Kawaupaka (Microcarbo melanoleucos) is a small short-billed cormorant usually black above and white below with a yellow bill and small crest, although a mostly black white-throated form predominates in New Zealand. It is the most widespread and common of the freshwater shags, being found far inland and up into the mountains as well as throughout New Zealands coastlines. Its diet consisting of mainly small fish (smelt, bullies, goldfish, flounder, sole) and occasional freshwater crayfish. Little Shags nest in large colonies in trees, low bushes or on ledges usually near water.