A critical evaluation of Kenyon's shag (Phalacrocorax [Stictocarbo] kenyoni)

We examine the validity of Phalacrocorax [Stictocarbo] kenyoni, which was d escribed by Siegel-Causey (1991) from the Aleutian Islands using midden rem ains and existing skeletal specimens. We emphasize a morphometric evaluatio n of the taxon using 224 skeletal specimens of North Pacific cormorants, bu t we also evaluate the qualitative characters originally used to characteri ze P. kenyoni. Principal components and discriminant function analyses of 1 4 skeletal characters failed to support the validity of the species. Simila rly, all seven of the character states that Seigel-Causey described as uniq ue to P. kenyoni also were found in P. pelagicus and P. urile. Thus, the th ree type specimens of P. kenyoni arrear to be P. pelagicus. Although we cou ld not confirm the validity of P. kenyoni, our morphometric analyses reveal ed that P. pelagicus individuals from the central Aleutians are smaller tha n those from surrounding populations.