Fairly large black-and-white shag with pink feet and orange facial skin that becomes purple during the breeding season. Adults have a striking appearance, with a black head and a clean white chin, neck, and belly. The white patches on the upperwing and back are visible both at rest and in flight. Juveniles are dark brown above, with wing and dorsal patches pale brown rather than white. Usually feeds alone, but breeds and roosts in colonies on exposed rocky headlands. Confined to the Chatham Islands, so cannot be confused with other black-and-white shags.